|
Open Page
Rural stint for medicos
Kaustubh A . Bondre
The government is planning to introduce one year compulsory rural internship for all medicos so as to fulfil its obligation towards National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)According to a recent survey, the public health care system in rural areas is almost non-existent as most of the primary health centres (PHCs) are understaffed. However, the government’s motive, though apparently noble, is basically flawed.
It reflects the inherent tendency of our politicians to introduce piecemeal reforms without addressing the basic problem. Let me make it clear that we (medicos) are not against rural posting. Then, why has the proposal met with protests all over India from medicos? To be frank, the problem lies with the ‘when’ and ‘how’ of the decision.
The way in which the rule is being made is undemocratic. The goalpost cannot be shifted for batches that are in ‘pipeline.’ New proposals having significant impact should be for prospective batches seeking admission to the course.
Opposition to the proposal is also based on the fact that it interferes with the academic career of the students. Their ‘right to education ‘ and ‘liberty’ to pursue the PG course of their choice is being tampered with.
The argument becomes even more relevant considering the fact that the seats for PG are scarce and for admission to these, there is a gruelling entrance examination. So, it is a ‘catch-22’ situation for students who cannot concentrate on studies as they are made to serve society prematurely, and also, they fail to upgrade themselves clinically as they are unable to get PG before service.
The government seeks to ‘fill’ the posts of ‘doctors’ that lie vacant in PHCs. Now, doesn’t it sound absurd that the government is bent on placing the responsibility of NRHM on these young trainees who are supposed to learn under expert guidance? As trainees in PHCs, under whose expert guidance are these to learn? And what about the efficacy of treatment that the poor rural folk would receive?
I stress efficiency because of the fact that there are several MBBS doctors already in the field who are willing to work as Medical Officers (MOs) in PHCs. These are being consistently denied permanent posts (of MO) by the government.
Now the question is, if the government is so concerned about providing ‘efficient’ rural health care to the poor, why are these willing doctors being denied jobs?
The answer to the above question can be traced to salaries/stipends offered by the government. To appoint a permanent MO is to pay him Rs. 17,000-19,000 a month. The government intends to entrust these jobs to the so called ‘rural interns’ so that they can be paid a meagre stipend of Rs.4,000-6,000 a month.
Hence, we insist that the government post us there as MOs and give us full salary.
The government needs to be reminded that the PHCs are scarcely equipped to attract doctors to work. Basic amenities like drinking water, round the clock electricity (so that we can study), proper accommodation as well as proper and essential infrastructure in PHCs are needed.
Instead of going in for haphazard, paranoid and symptomatic solutions to long-standing problems, the government must include medical fraternity in the decision-making process. Such inclusive approach will go a long way to ensure lasting and fitting solutions!
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Open Page
|
