Doctors to Rural India

The union health ministry has come up with a new plan to attract doctors to rural postings.

What’s the new plan?

The plan is to incentivise students and doctors, by making their access to postgraduate courses easier or by offering them better pay.

Will it work?

Yes, say experts. According to them, easier PG admissions may attract many doctors as there are limited seats in specialised courses and securing admission is tough.

• Also, a rural stint will help doctors gain practical experience as the disease burden is increasing in non-urban settings.

Background:

• Back in 2013-14, the UPA government had tried to make one year of rural posting mandatory for MBBS graduates to seek admission in post-graduate courses. The move met with severe opposition from resident doctors and MBBS students, leading to strikes. Under pressure, Medical Council of India had kept the notification on hold.
• Hence, the new government, instead of forcing a village posting on MBBS students or resident doctors, plans to work out lucrative incentive options.

Way ahead:

The ministry has already deliberated on the plan and it has inprinciple approval from the health minister. However, a formal proposal with details of incentives has to be drawn up before it is taken to the next level in the government for approval.

Concerns:

At present, there is just one doctor for around 1,700 people in India, whereas the WHO stipulates a minimum ratio of 1:1,000. Apart from shortage of doctors, unwillingness to work in rural areas is a major obstacle.

• Though government initiatives and participation from the private sector have improved availability of health facilities, workforce shortages continue to be a major cause for concern.