Pratibha Patil asks AIIMS graduates to serve in rural areas

Assam News · November 16, 2009

Indian President Shrimati Pratibha Devisingh Patil has urged the young doctors of the country to devote some years of their professional lives to working in rural areas by responding positively to the call of the Government to take up rural postings. Speaking at the 37th Annual Convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), in New Delhi today, Patil reminded the young doctors of their social responsibilities and a duty towards nation building.

“By serving in rural areas not only would you be doing good work for the nation, but the stint will be a valuable addition to your professional experience. It would also be an opportunity to get to know your country more closely and you are needed there the most.” The president said.

The president also expressed happiness over the recent efforts by the government to bridge the gap in the availability of doctors for the rural areas. The President said “I am told that since its launch the Mission (NRHM) has added over 7 lakh ASHAs, over 70,000 ANMs and Nurses and over 15,000 MBBS and AYUSH doctors to the public healthcare system. Work should be undertaken with greater zeal for the success of this Mission. I am confident that under the leadership of Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Minister for Health and Family Welfare, rapid strides would be made.”

Speaking on the occasion the Union Health Minister Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed concern over dilution of original role of AIIMS due to heavy patient load. He said for bringing the research and innovation to the fore it is important to decongest the institute. Outlining his strategy for this Shri Azad said that the establishment of 8 AIIMS like institution and upgradation of 19 government medical colleges along with strengthening of health infrastructure at rural, district and state level will reduce the pressure on AIIMS. Speaking with the Journalists after the function the minister said that most of the clearances for the AIIMS like institutions have been procured and civil tenders are being issued. He informed that taking cue from his experience in Jammu and Kashmir where he was the Chief Minister he has incorporated a strong monetary incentive for fast completion of these projects. The Hospital – OPD complex is to be built in 24 months. The Minister informed that incentive upto Rs 10 crore will be given for the early completion of work.

Shri Azad also detailed the recent efforts in the field of medical education. He said that in consultation with the Medical Council of India, land requirements for the medical colleges is being rationalized. PPP and establishment of medical colleges by companies have been allowed. To encourage doctors to go to rural and difficult areas 50% of the seats in the postgraduate diploma courses are reserved for medical officers of government service who has served at least three years in the rural areas. Weightage of 10% for each tear of rural service with a maximum of 30% has been prescribed for entrance examinations for post graduate courses. Allowing of higher teacher student ratio for specialist courses from 1:! To 1:2 will add 4000 to 5000 specialist seats this year. 270 new Auxiliary Nurse Midwife and General Nurse Midwife schools will train additional 22000 nurses annually.

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