Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Thursday voiced “vehement opposition” to National Commission for Human Resources for Health (NCHRH) Bill 2011, arguing that it sought to usurp the powers of States in the area of health human resources by creating new structures that hit the very root of federalism.
In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, she stated that the Bill, which has been referred by the Rajya Sabha to the Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare, effectively puts the leadership and decision-making process with regard to medical, dental and paramedical education in the hands of about 25 persons, all to be nominated by the Centre.
“This undermines the powers of the State governments, which are left with no role to play in policy issues related to health manpower planning, curriculum and course design as well as approval of new institutions offering courses in medicine and allied disciplines.”
The need-based planning for medical, dental and paramedical manpower should follow regional and local demands.
This would best be achieved only by giving adequate representation for the States in policy-making bodies. Status quo may be maintained with regard to the functioning of the existing National and State Councils, which, Ms. Jayalalithaa said, may be strengthened and improved with increased participation of the State governments at the level of the National Council.
CM s concern are misplaced and needs to be rubbished. If the powers to approve
medical and dental colleges are delegated to the State, there is bound to mischief
and abuse of such powers. The colleges will be approved along caste grounds
without emphasis on quality. Medical and Dental colleges will mushroom, promoted
by every ADMK MLA and MP in his or her district and will become a money making
racket.
By seeking adequate representations for the states in policy making bodies at the centre,Ms.Jayalalitha has proved her mettle once again as CM of Chennai.As rightly said the policy making bodies could be more strengthened and improved,only with increased participation of states at the level of national Council.Such an
eventuality,consensus on relevant matters could be arrived early giving no chance for dillydallying,paving the way for a hassle free implementation without any hitches.Still it has become a mute question as to why the govt at the centre always unilateral on such important policy issues ignoring that the states contribution and views could help for an affective outcome.
Statement of Tamil Nadu CM on proposed NCHRH Bill is unfortunate, uncalled for and it is given just to derail the central Government initiatives for regulation of entire health streams. Though there are various provisions under NCHRH Bill which seriously need to be amended but it is not correct to reject it completely without any constructive suggestions on their part. She also contends for strengthening of the existing Councils which only regulates Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, and Pharmacy etc. Health is a state subject yet, it is not only health matter rather important for regulating health education and health professionals. Her concern may be valid but she should also understand that: health system is not only managed by doctors, Nurses, dentists rather it is a team work carried out by many other important health professionals. Can we ask the centre or state why there is no central, comprehensive law to regulate the education & services of allied health professionals in country?
A typical open and blatant cry for throwing it open to state corruption. Ravi
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