Hectic preparations are on to implement the Union government’s ambitious Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme in T. Narsipur in the district. Mysuru is one of two districts in the State identified for the project.
The Health Department has already selected 76 sub-centres across the taluk. Selection of qualified nurses to work as mid-level health providers at the centres has been completed and appointment letters will be issued in a day or two, sources said.
Those selected will be given comprehensive training for six months from January 1, after which they will be posted at the centres. All 76 centres, which will be called ‘wellness centres’, are expected to become functional from July 1, 2017.
The mid-level health providers, all female, will be stationed at the centres, which will be a clinic-cum-residence for them. Apart from providing healthcare solutions for basic diseases, the health providers will also guide and refer, if need be, patients to the district hospital.
T. Maheshwarappa, the District Project Management Officer, and S. Gopinath, Reproductive Child Healthcare Officer, told The Hindu that the department has over 16 buildings of its own to house centres. For the other centres, it plans to use private buildings. Each centre will be provided with a BP apparatus and equipment to gauge sugar levels and other general diseases.
The health providers will be authorised to give Tetanus injection and iron and folic acid, apart from monitoring pregnant women and children, Dr. Maheshwarappa said. They will also help take people to hospital for cataract surgery. They will assist the common man in getting medical aid without being burdened financially, he said.
The goal of UHC is to ensure that all people obtain the health services they need, be it preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative or palliative, without the risk of financial ruin.
The Planning Commission, based on expert group recommendations, had advocated in its 12th Five-Year Plan a roadmap towards UHC by 2022. It suggested that each State run a pilot UHC project in two districts. Accordingly, Mysuru and Raichur were selected in Karnataka.
The goal of UHC is to ensure that everyone gets health services without running the risk of financial ruin
