Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Mar 2: In a move to translate the Chawla Committee’s recommendations into actionable plans and provide guidance on advancing the healthcare sector, enhancing infrastructure, the Health & Medical Education (H&ME) Department has established a 5-member Advisory Committee, led by the founding Director, SKIMS.
According to the H&ME, the top committee will focus on creating a roadmap for executing the Chawla Committee’s recommendations, which entails formulating a thorough action plan to implement the suggestions, which, notably, have not yet been put into effect.
For the holistic advancement of the health sector, the newly set-up committee will also propose comprehensive measures and strategic insights to advance the health sector in J&K, focusing on improved healthcare delivery and outcomes, especially with respect to Primary Healthcare Services.
The term of the Advisory Committee has been set as one year and will be headed by Dr. Ajit Nagpal, the founding director of SKIMS, Soura, along with four other members.
It is to be noted here that the Chawla Committee, headed by Prof. Y.K. Chawla – former Director, PGI, Chandigarh, was formed on the directions of the J&K, Ladakh High Court, and filed its report covering various aspects of J&K’s healthcare setup in 2022.
Apart from other matters, it took note of various issues and suggested changes, including a complete ban on private practice by doctors, making it an offense.
The committee also noted the lack of manpower in the healthcare setup, emphasizing that the increment in beds is taking place at a faster pace than the sanctioned manpower.
Apart from other recommendations, it also proposed giving more powers to Medical College Principals, increasing their tenure to 4-5 years, making their selection not only based on seniority but also on suitability, and abolishing the posts of Lecturers, making Assistant Professor the entry post.
As per the H&ME, regarding comprehensive budget analysis, the committee will conduct a detailed analysis of the current budget allocated to the health and medical education sector and suggest ways and means to enhance the budgetary envelope in line with WHO recommendations and global standards.
Concerning infrastructure enhancement, H&ME tasked the committee to assess the existing physical infrastructure in the health sector and formulate recommendations for expansion and enhancement, ensuring accessibility and quality services.
The committee is also expected to provide insights into the modernization of medical facilities, laboratories, and technology integration.
The other members of the committee include Major General Prof. (Dr.) Atul Kotwal, Executive Director, National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, Dr. Yash Pal Sharma, Director Coordination, New Government Medical Colleges, J&K, Dr. Anil Kumar, Ex-Medical Superintendent, PGIMER Chandigarh, and a Special/Additional Secretary who will be nominated by H&ME.
For community engagement, the top committee will propose strategies for community involvement in health and medical education to address local health disparities and improve community health awareness.
On the aspect of Medical Education evaluation, the committee will evaluate the current state of medical education in J&K, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in curricula, teaching methodologies, and research practices.
The expert committee has also been tasked with identifying opportunities for collaboration with reputable medical institutions, fostering knowledge exchange, research partnerships, and sharing of best practices.
H&ME, under the tasks of the committee, has also mentioned private practice and service conditions, for which the panel will examine the issue of private practice by doctors in government services and recommend measures for its regulation, along with reviewing and optimizing service conditions for doctors.
Adding to the gigantic task, the committee will also explore avenues for the seamless integration of medical institutions within the Union Territory, promoting synergies and resource optimization.
“Identify and prioritize areas of integration between allopathic and AYUSH sectors in line with the National Health Policy, 2017,” H&ME said.
On the issue of human resource rationalization, the committee will review the availability and distribution of healthcare professionals and medical teachers in J&K, proposing measures for the rationalization of human resources to address regional disparities.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
