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The Union Government has proposed nationwide screening of people over 30 years for diabetes, hypertension and cardiac problems. The screening would cover pregnant women of all ages. It would also identify ‘high focus' States for development of healthcare infrastructure and human resources in the 12th Five-Year Plan.
The three-day Health Ministers Conference, concluded here on Thursday, has come out with Hyderabad Resolution to tackle spread of communicable and non-communicable diseases in the country.
“The threat of non-communicable diseases, which account for 42 per cent of all deaths in the country, shall be clearly recognised, while planning for investment in the 12th Plan,” the conference said.
The conference, which was chaired by Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, has called for a nationwide programme for eradication of thalassemia.
It was attended by Ministers of Health and Medical Education from 16 States and top officials from other States and Union Territories.
Maternal health
Expressing concern over maternal and child mortality rates, the meeting asked the States to appoint at least one doctor and one nurse at each primary health centre by March 31, 2012.
“We also should ensure name-based mother and child tracking system to offer post-natal care and immunisation of children. Blood banks at all district hospitals and blood storage facilities at sub-divisional hospitals must be set up by December 2012,” it pointed out.
The conference also highlighted the severe shortage of medical professionals. It asked the States to increase intake of MBBS students to 250 in all Government colleges. The State will set up eight Regional Institutes of Paramedical Sciences by the end of 2010.
The Centre would give funds to States to start at least 50 BRHC (Bachelor of Rural Health Care) course in the high focus States in 2011-12.
The conference, however, had deferred to take a decision on the issue of common eligibility and entrance test.
Besides promoting usage of generic drugs to provide affordable health care for all, the meeting asked the States to set up Jan Aushadhi Stores. It was also proposed to encourage whistle blowers who tipped officials of food adulteration.
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