Medical students must involve themselves in research activities for cost-effective medicines and clinical investigations so that health care system in the country becomes affordable for all, said Health Secretary V. K. Subburaj.
Conferring degrees on successful candidates at the Salem Government Medical College Hospital here on Tuesday, Mr. Subburaj said though primary health care was available at an affordable cost, many rare and new diseases were being found among humans.
Tamil Nadu government had introduced many schemes that would bring down the burden of the common man while getting treated for diseases.
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Nearly 10 lakh people were suffering every year from cancer and the cost of treatment and drugs were enormous.
“The indicators are very poor. Infant mortality is still high. Out of the 75 countries that offer below par maternal care, India stands 73. We have more number of diabetic patients than any other country and more than 25 per cent of patients suffer from TB,” he said.
Hence the Health Secretary added the country needed more number of doctors.
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“But we have a peculiar problem here. While the top-scorers in Plus II examinations prefer medical colleges, the number of available colleges is less. Hence we have to initiate steps such as enhancing the strength of the students in colleges and so on,” he claimed.
He also told the Dean and other staff to prepare a blueprint to fulfill the Medical Council of India norms to enhance the intake of Salem colleges from 75 to 150.
But, despite the shortcomings, the country, and especially Tamil Nadu, was doing extremely well in health care system. Many from other countries preferred to come to India to get treated since it offered quality treatment at affordable cost.
Director of Medical Education Dr. C Vamsathara inaugurated the college students' council and delivered the key-note address. Dean-in-charge Dr V. Elangovan and others took part.