The State Government would introduce PG Diploma courses in medical colleges and DHHs from 2018 in order to get more specialist doctors for appointment in rural hospitals.
Chief Secretary AP Padhi issued a direction to the Health Department in this regard while presiding over a review meeting on doctors’ appointment in rural areas. Padhi advised the department to expedite works for training and related works.
As per the programme, specialist doctors having experience of more than 10 years would be sent to the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai for training. On return, they would provide training to MBBS doctors in the PG Diploma course. The PG Diploma courses would be offered in departments like Paediatrics, Anesthesia, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radiology, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology etc.
The PG Diploma course will of two years. After two years, 120 specialist doctors would be produced and they would be appointed in rural areas.
Health and Family Welfare Secretary Pramod Kumar Meherada presented updates.
It was revealed that as many as overall 79 per cent of sanctioned posts in rural hospitals have been filled up by now. And in remote V-4 and V-3 areas, 84 per cent and 84 per cent posts have been filled up.
The high incentives of the State Government have attracted doctors to work in remote areas. In V-4 areas, specialists are being provided monthly incentive of Rs 80 lakh and doctors Rs 40,000. Similarly in V-3 areas, specialists and doctors are being provided Rs 60,000 and 30,000, respectively.
Among others, Development Commissioner R Balkrishnan, Finance Secretary Tuhinkant Pandey, Health Director Braja Kishore Brahma were present.