‘We need 84,000 health workers, but have only 20,000’

LUCKNOW : There are only 22,000 health sub-centres in the state against the requirement of 42,000.

The point was raised in the state working committee meeting of the Provincial Medical Services Association (PMSA) held on Sunday. “As per Indian public health standards, we need 84,000 health workers but right now there are only 20,000, which should be a cause of worry for policy-makers in the state,” said Dr Ashok Yadav, president, PMSA.

The office-bearers said there were fewer doctors than required and there was vacancy in each segment of the health department. Besides, those working were subjected to anomalies related to career promotion, skill upgrade and other issues, they added.

“We need to make progress and this is possible by updating knowledge. UP can start a certificate course in specialization, like Rajasthan has for its government doctors. Working conditions can also be improved so that doctors working in remote areas feel confident while at work,” said Dr Amit Singh, general secretary, PMSA.

They said new hospitals and superspeciality centres should not be started till doctors are appointed.

“Doctors are ready to work and make extra effort. We just need the government’s support,” said Dr Ashok Yadav.

Issues such as contractual jobs in health department and increase in MD/MS seats in state medical colleges were also discussed in the meeting.

UP can start a certificate course in specialization, like Rajasthan has for its govt doctors. Working conditions can also be improved so that doctors in remote areas feel confident while at work DR AMIT SINGH, general secretary, PMSA