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Karnataka is keen to prioritise 800 cr primary healthcare programme

Dr A B Maalaka Raddy, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka assumed office in 1999. And ever since he has taken over the reins of order in the healthcare sector, he has been striving to bring various reforms to upgrade this area. Dr Raddy is confident that India will very soon showcase itself as the healthcare destination. In an interview with Vijaya K , Dr Maalaka Raddy gives an overview of his plans for upgrading healthcare facilities of the primary, secondary and tertiary care levels in Karnataka. Excerpts.

What measures are undertaken by the State Government for quality healthcare delivery?

During the last one year the government has undertaken several major initiatives for improving healthcare delivery in the State. We have appointed over 575 doctors, 880 lab technicians and a large number of other paramedical staff such as X-Ray technicians to fill the vacant posts. Essential laboratory equipment to 1000 Primary Health Centres have also been supplied. The supply of drugs to PHCs has been enhanced from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 and drug supply has been streamlined. Of the total 201 hospitals taken up for renovation and upgradation under the World Bank funded Rs 563 crore Karnataka Health System Development Project (KHSDP) scheme, the work of 105 hospitals is complete in all respects. Transparency has been introduced in recruitment by introduction of contract appointments based on merit. A Vigilance Cell directly under the Commissioner has been established to tackle indiscipline and absenteeism. The first phase of the health MIS relating to personnel and disease surveillance is in advanced stages of finalisation. We have also entered into new partnerships with NGOs and Medical Associations such as FOGSI and IMA. We are making it compulsory for doctors to serve in villages too.

Is the State facing shortage of doctors?

Karnataka is fortunate to have 23 medical colleges and hence adequate number of doctors are available. There had been major shortage of doctors in primary health centres and taluk hospitals because the recruitment process in the past was slow. However, in recent months, most vacancies have been filled up and as of today very few of them lack regular doctors. The DCs have also been empowered to fill up the vacancies of both GDMOs as well as specialists on contract basis.

What are your attempts to make healthcare affordable to a larger community?

Under the World Bank assisted KHSDP over 190 hospitals will be completed in all respects with provision for modern OTs and other equipment and laboratory facilities by the end of December 2001. This would make health services available to the poor. Partnerships have been formed with several NGOs to support government efforts in improving the delivery of health and family welfare services in rural areas. Priority will be given to streamlining primary healthcare so that the poor can have access to health care free of cost.

What are government’s plans for improving rural healthcare?

Human resource development will be given special attention by the Health Department. The focus will be on improving skills, quality and effectiveness of the entire work force. Over 5000 government health personnel, including specialists will receive training during 2001-02. We have created 100 new posts of leave-cum-reserve doctors and they will be absorbed by 2001-02. Additional 550 medical officers and 80 dental surgeons will be recruited during the next 3-4 months. Three primary health centres are proposed to be handed over to each medical college for improved management. Round the clock delivery services will be introduced in selected PHCs by providing services of doctors and nurses in backward districts under RCH programme.

Does the primary, secondary and tertiary care have sufficient infrastructure?

The government has created good infrastructure for primary, secondary and tertiary care hospitals in the State. However, constant efforts are required to improve the quality of healthcare delivery through the hospital system. In addition to the existing World Bank assisted KHSD project, the State Government has already begun informal discussion with the World Bank for another major project for an amount of Rs 800 crore with focus on primary healthcare. The infrastructure of PHCs will be improved by construction of over 100 OT and labour rooms in selected PHCs in all the districts under RCH programme. The Indian government has tied up with the Government of Finland and the Japanese government for equipping the tertiary care hospitals. The Japanese government has already provided equipment worth Rs 62 crore. A new scheme to make doctors work compulsorily in rural areas for one year before commencing their postgraduate course will be introduced. Quarters are being constructed for medical officers and their stay in the PHC headquarters has been made compulsory. Wherever quarters are not made available, a special allowance of Rs 1000 per month will be paid to the doctors.

Can you brief us about the status of new super speciality hospital in Gulbarga division?

With the assistance of OPEC funds, construction of the 350-bed Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Super Speciality Hospital was taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 36.7 crore at Gulbarga Division. The management contract of the hospital has been given to the Apollo group of hospitals. The project is scheduled to end by January 2000 required some additional facilities and further extension and is complete now.