How does the government aim to tap private doctors for the state facilities at block and taluka level? How will that help the beneficiaries?
The State government plans to extend flexible remuneration for doctors who would visit taluka and block-level government hospitals to strengthen rural hospitals and provide services there. Around 4,500 deliveries happen in a year at the block level. Many families opt for a private facility. We want these private doctors to come and treat patients at our hospitals. District hospital is too far a place and hence many people opt for C-section at private hospitals. At the block level, 50 C-sections on an average happen every month in private and public sector collectively. The idea is to have gynecologists at these hospitals and ensure all deliveries happen in the public sector.
Has the government undertaken any pilot project to tap these patients at the village level and make them come to the hospital?
We have started this at three talukas in Pune district at Junnar, Saswad and Baramati. In these hospitals, no cesareans happened. But now between October 24 and 31, Junnar has done 15 C-sections, whereas Saswad and Baramati have done six cesareans each. However, Primary Health Centres (PHC) are not accepted for C-sections as they are not in the norms. Because for cesareans, the hospital is expected to have a blood bank, operation theatre and other facilities.
Regarding the recent reporting of increase in neo-natal deaths in the state, how does the government aim to reduce the number?
The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) for Maharashtra is 19, so these many deaths are going to happen. But if the Sick Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) are not there then these deaths would go unnoticed. For strengthening this SNCU, we are doing policy level modification at the State government-level of SNCU. A basic facility introduced at the SNCU is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). We are also undertaking capacity building by training nurses in specialised skills as their training is most important.
What are the other major challenges in front of the State Health Department?
One of the major concerns today is the growing number of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) which include heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and others. The department has initiated 100 per cent population-based clinics in four districts. Those who are identified will be given early treatment by the government. The department will also establish 500 health wellness clinics by the end of 2018 at sub-centre level. At this facility an ayurvedic doctor will be focusing on well-being. The aim will be prevention of NCD.
