Same old healthcare issues for new minister
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: May 17, 2022 -
SINCE the past many years, it has been a trademark for every minister entrusted with the responsibility to oversee the healthcare sector to cite lack of financial resources as one of the factors for general hospitals lagging behind in ensuring holistic healthcare service and new health minister Dr Sapam Ranjan was no different when he stated that the union government would be proposed to increase the healthcare budget to enable establishment of adequate healthcare facilities.
Compared to the twin capital districts, healthcare service delivery system in Manipur's rural areas is far from being satisfactory with shortage of manpower, medical personnel loathing over posting in the interior pockets, absence of basic infrastructure, tough terrains, etc., being the hallmark of healthcare centres.
These factors might be the reason for Dr Ranjan to state during his felicitation programme organised by the Indian Medical Association, Manipur on Sunday that there is need to increase budgetary allocation for the health department.
While acknowledging that health sector is one of the most important areas, which needs to be accorded top priority, the minister also emphasised on increasing the number of medical colleges and nursing institutes in the state to address the problem of shortage of medical staff.
Materialisation of these objectives would definitely depend on availability of sufficient fund, which the state is not in a position to fulfil at this juncture without the patronage of the centre.
Nevertheless, it's heartening to hear the new health minister promising to augment the healthcare system in the state.
Pending consent of the health ministry to increase the budget for health department by at-least 8 per cent, it is desired that Dr Ranjan strive to identify the core problem besetting the healthcare system in the state.
As structural construction isn't possible till there is improvement, in the financial position of the state, priority shall have to be on efficient delivery of service at the existing healthcare facilities and by the medical personnel.
Having noted that improvement in the healthcare sector will have to start from the grassroots level such as the primary health centres, it is hoped that Dr Ranjan's tenure would be free from the problem of medical staffers, doctors in particular, fretting over working beyond Imphal as could be comprehended from local civil bodies seeking posting of medical practitioners in adequate numbers and demanding punitive action against the absentee personnel.
As ensuring hospital in each and every populated area is out of the context, the minister shall have to regularly update on functioning of healthcare facilities in the rural pockets for transportation of patients to the state's capital is itself a costly affair which many rural folks can't afford.
Therefore, ensuring healthcare service accessible and affordable to all will make a huge difference to the economically unsound families and help enhance personal profile as one of the most efficient health ministers. It must be remembered that for the rural populace world class service is secondary for their immediate need is to avail effective treatment nearest to home.
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