🩺Centre focuses on addressing doctor shortage; expansion of free medicine and diagnostic services
📍 New Delhi | M Bharat 24 News Live
The Central Government has clarified that the primary responsibility for strengthening the public health system lies with the states and Union Territories. However, under the National Health Mission (NHM), the Centre is assisting states by providing financial and technical support to address the shortage of doctors, specialists, nurses, and paramedical staff in government hospitals and health centers.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav stated that special emphasis is being placed on ensuring the availability of human resources in health institutions in accordance with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) through the NHM. States are also being encouraged to create regular posts and fill vacancies expeditiously.
The government is continuously expanding the scope of free medicine and diagnostic services with the aim of reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients. Additionally, several incentive schemes—such as special allowances, attractive salaries, honorariums, housing facilities, and priority admission to postgraduate courses—have been implemented to encourage the deployment of doctors in rural and remote areas.
The Union Minister added that special attention is also being paid to skill upgradation and multi-skill training for doctors to enhance the quality of health services and address the shortage of specialist doctors.
