Q: What is in rural health care that you are looking forward to?
Our motto is to ensure healthcare at every doorstep in the rural areas. For this, we must ensure that the public health centres at the base level are strengthened. We need to tackle seasonal diseases like malaria, chikungunya, diarrohea, hepatitis etc. that strike from time to time. Obviously, we require good doctors and good supply-chain for medicines so that the rural population can avail of the benefits. At the same time, the PHCs must not work only as treatment centres. They should also help create awareness among people so that they can take preventive measures. Maintaining proper hygiene is essential. Even during my practice as a paediatrician, I have observed that these simple things go a long way in managing rural health.
Q: The problem is with doctors refusing to go to the rural areas. What are you going to do about this?
We are going to look into this issue. At the moment, we require 2,000 doctors and a large number of para-medical staff to ensure that the public health system functions properly. Moreover, there is a shortage of good teaching professionals at medical colleges. These issues need to be addressed first. We also want to have one medical college in every district of the state. This will ensure that good healthcare is available in every district.
Q: There are many issues at the government level, like infrastructure, working hours of the doctors etc. How will these issues be tackled?
We have to be strict and ensure that government doctors work for the entire duration assigned to them in the hospitals. They have to ensure patients are their priority and best attention is paid to them. Currently, many poor patients are going to corporate hospitals because they feel enough attention is not being paid to them at government hospitals.
Q: Do you plan to continue with Aarogyasri?
Aarogyasri is a good scheme, but we must ensure that the maximum benefit reaches the government hospitals. Currently, the benefit to government hospitals is negligible. This has to be reversed. Also, the corporate hospitals must look at their social responsibilities. They will continue to be a part of the scheme. Our aim is to ensure healthcare to everyone, especially the deprived.
