Government takes measures to improve working conditions of resident doctors

She also gave details regarding several steps taken by the government to ensure the improvement in working conditions of the doctors and to ensure their security. She was responding to the questions asked by Mr. Jose K Mani.

Mr. Joshi asked whether Government has the data regarding the total number of resident doctors across Government-run hospitals in the country. He further asked whether Government has taken any steps to improve the working conditions of resident doctors across Government-run hospitals in the country. Moreover, he also questioned if the Government has any specific plans or proposals to achieve the World Health Organization recommended doctor-population ratio 1:1000 in the country by the year 2024.

Responding to the questions, the Minister informed that 'Health' is a state subject and therefore such data is not maintained centrally. However, she still mentioned some of the measures like strengthening security in the hospital to instill confidence and safety of doctors. Moreover, she also stated that CCTV has been installed to keep working places under vigilance.

As far as hygiene of the doctors is concerned, preparation and implementation of sanitation protocols to maintain the desired level of sanitation and housekeeping twill be carried out to reduce the risk of infections. Gloves, Mask and Gowns etc. are provided to all doctors and workers. Facility for hand hygiene like soap/water/alcoholic hands rub etc. is provided. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits are provided to doctors who are working in COVID wards. The government and other infected areas. Furthermore, the availability of hostel facilities within premises has been increased.

Moreover, the Government has also taken various steps to increase the availability of doctors which include the following:

i. Establishment of New Medical Colleges attached with district/referral hospitals in underserved districts of the country.

ii. Strengthening/upgradation of existing State Government/Central Government Medical Colleges to increase MBBS and PG seats.

iii. Relaxation in the norms for setting up of Medical College in terms of the requirement for faculty, staff, bed strength and other infrastructure.

iv. Enhancement of maximum intake capacity at MBBS level from 150 to 250.

v. Diplomate of National Board (DNB) qualification has been recognized for appointment as faculty to take care of shortage of faculty.