WHO chalks policy for improving human resource

Jayashree Padmini - New Delhi

In view of the demand by the national stakeholders, World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated the process of developing a policy framework to fortify human resource for health (HRH). In the 55th World Health Assembly in May 2002, member countries had put forward a four fold agenda to the WHO. This includes, “improve all human resources in National Health Systems, chalk out action plan to address ethical recruitment and distribution, develop sound national health policies and frame strategies for training & management of HRH”.

Dr P T Jayawikramarajah, scientist-health systems, WHO South East Asian Region, said that WHO is closely studying the impact of globalization and trade agreements such as GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services) on health systems. The crucial issues identified include cross border communication, consumption abroad, commercial presence and movement of people, added Dr Rajah. The organization has already assigned a research group to study the scope of telemedicine. The approach is to assess the impact of economic, political, social and geographical factors on health systems across countries to arrive at improved models. Dr Rajah said that the dynamics of global business equations have a profound impact on the health systems hence the immediate need for devising focussed strategies.

HRH development was always been a thrust area for WHO and now the focus would be on strengthening accreditation and reorienting medical education. Through inter-country meetings and deliberations WHO is working towards helping the national stake holders to develop a standard setting mechanism for health delivery system that comprises of the entire gamut of education, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and precaution. When the WHO had been focussing on education and invigorating human resource capital in the 1980s and early 90s, now the organization would direct effects towards enhancing quality and strengthening accreditation criteria, informed Dr Rajah.

The other areas of significance include re-vitalizing institutions and strengthening regulation to enhance the scope of public-private partnerships. Political and economic scene at national stake holders emerge as an intricate issue while taking on human resource development, points out Dr Rajah citing the example of countries like East Timor where the imbalance between physicians and paramedicals is at an extreme. Lack of adequate HRH policies or strategies coupled with financial constraints are impinging heavily on nations in economic transition. The crucial issues vary from quantitative mismatch to qualitative incongruity and unequal distribution of health workforce as well as resources, says Dr Rajah. Creating linkages to meet the increasing demand and giving focussed attention to management aspects are highly called for, he emphasized.