Nadda says will work towards increasing PG seats in medical colleges but silent on when and how

Union health minister J P Nadda was in Bhubaneswar on March 26 to launch the national Rotavirus vaccine in government healthcare system in four states. During his day-long events in the state capital of Odisha, I got the chance to ask some questions on important issues pertaining to the health sector at the sidelines of some events. The minister reluctant to answer much queries however responded to some of the queries.

(Published in Orissa POST, Bhubaneswar on March 27, 2016)

By-Manish Kumar  

1.  Many parts of the country suffer from dearth of qualified doctors. Do you have any plan to increase PG seats in medical education to tackle the issue?

Nadda: We will be taking steps to address the issue. We will look into the problem. However it will be a premature move to comment on the issue now as there is not enough material now to talk on the issue and elaborate. When we will have enough plans to elaborate we will discuss. Right now I cannot comment as I don’t have enough plans in hands to talk in detail.

2. International funding to the National AIDS Control Programme has declined. Will it have any impact on the overall programme.

Nadda: No. The government is committed to work into this regard to issue the programme runs smoothly and the people living with HIV can get government support.

3. But is Centre capable enough now to ensure HIV treatment through government hospitals in the country despite funding challenge?

Nadda: Yes. The Centre has meanwhile extended the facilities of the government to benefit more number of people living with HIV. Now with the support of the Central government people having the CD count of between 420-500 can also avail the government support. With this move, we have included 1 lakh more people living with HIV in the last one year into government treatment. The whole funding issues will also be taken care of.

4. The Mental Health Care Bill 2013 and the HIV & AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill 2014 are still pending in the parliament. What is the reason for the pendency of these two crucial bills?

Nadda: We are committed to pass these bills. We will be moving it forward to pass. However I cannot comment on the issues in haste as I am unable to elaborate during the short span of time during my visit to the city.

5. Any specific reason? Is the opposition not cooperating?

Nadda: I cannot answer all questions after my exit from programmes during my walk with you. I will look into this.

6. Available data suggests that AIIMS, Bhubaneswar received the largest funds from the Centre out of the all the new AIIMS in the country. Any specific reason?

Nadda: No. The allocation of funds to the different All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) spread in different parts of the country by the Centre is based on the work plane furnished. So the funding was made purely on the available work plan.

7. It has been heard that there could be some administrative changes at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar and the director may be changed. What is the reality?  

Nadda: The decision of appointment of director of AIIMS in the country is done by a pre-determined process. There is a selection committee in place and such decisions are taken by them and the Centre has little role to play into this matter.