Planned improvements for healthcare delivery in Madhya Pradesh

Healthcare services in Madhya Pradesh could become more affordable and state-of-the-art. This is thanks to plans by the state government.

The state cabinet on June 13 made the decision to upgrade thirteen hospitals in the state to super-specialty status. These hospitals will be equipped more modern, specialised facilities. Treatment will also be free at the point of use for those living below the poverty line (BPL).

Healthcare for all

This is in accordance with the  Din Dayal Antyodaya Upchar Yojna. This is a scheme launched by the Madhya Pradesh state government in 2004 to provide free healthcare in government to poor families. Those living above the poverty line will receive treatment at subsidised rates, as per the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), says state government spokesman Narottam Misha.

38.3 percent of the population in Madhya Pradesh live below the poverty line. This equates to more than 28 million people. This initiative may well prove a boon for the state’s poor and deprived, as they have a chance to access high-quality for little to no cost.

A Hospital Establishment Service will also be set up. This is designed to lessen doctors’ workload by taking the onus of administrative work away from them and  creating new positions to fulfil this duty.

Addressing a long-standing problem in Madhya Pradesh

The state has a chronic shortage of medical staff.

In 2007, Madhya Pradesh’s doctor-patient ratio was one fifth of the national average. It does not seem to have improved much since, especially in rural area of the state where meagre pay turns away many doctors.

Whilst measures to improve the number of doctors in the state have yet to be announced, the cabinet’s decisions appear to be steps in the right direction.