A decision that was promptly rejected by the State medical fraternity, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday proposed a 3-year diploma course for the aspiring doctors.
“Considering the paucity of doctors, rising population, increased hospital beds we require more doctors... So I ask the Health Secretary to ponder over the idea of introducing Diploma course to get more and more doctors to serve in primary health centres,” Banerjee said.
She also advised appointment of nurses with 15-days basic training.
“What is the big deal in nursing... You don’t have to do surgery... I think a 15-day training can suffice to produce nurses who can administer injections, saline, monitor other minor things,” Banerjee said.
“I will suggest formation of a committee to do a feasibility study,” she said adding, this policy would ensure more jobs for the youth.
The idea of Diploma Doctors was conceived and then rejected in 2009 when the Left was in power.
Reacting sharply to her proposal, a senior functionary of doctor’ association Dr Manas Gumta said, “whatever be the political consideration behind this proposal... This is untenable because this will not only produce below quality doctors and create a divide in the medical fraternity but also it will directly affect the poorer people of the State... You cannot play with me lives of the people... They are not guinea pigs.”
