The group was formed to conduct a mid-term review of government schemes and suggest policy initiatives.
A GROUP of secretaries on health, sanitation and urban development has recommended that the government allow nurse practitioners and Ayush doctors to prescribe essential medicines after a bridge course. The group was formed to conduct a mid-term review of government schemes and suggest policy initiatives.
In its report, the group recommended open selection of mission directors, who should be given functional and financial powers. It cited inadequate empowerment and lack of funds as factors affecting implementation of government programmes, and pitched for mission mode delivery as the preferred model.
It was suggested that the Ayush ministry, which was carved out of the health ministry by the present government, be merged back with the parent ministry and the department of pharmaceuticals too be brought under it. It also called for merging of the ministries of urban development and housing and urban poverty alleviation.
Primary health centres are not sufficient to cater to the demands of the population, and 30 per cent shortfall in doctors adds to the problem, the group analysed. Thus, it recommended that the MCI Act be amended so that Ayush doctors, nurse practitioners or those with a graduate degree in community health can prescribe essential medicines.
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