Skill training for rural health care launched

Mumbai: The state health minister on Friday launched a curriculum of skill-development training in the rural health care sector, which faces a lack of skilled manpower to tackle medical emergencies.

The curriculum includes various skill development courses as well as training for para medical staff to assist doctors as there is a shortage of doctors as well as assistants in rural areas, said the minister. The step closely follows the recent death of 55 infants in the Nashik civil hospital.

Talking to The Asian Age, the state health minister Dr. Deepak Sawant said, “ We have initiated the training for the youth, which includes training for the laboratory, handling X-ray machines, dialysis machines, and dental technicians. The curriculum also includes training for sanitary inspector, diabetic educator, hospital aid assistant, home aid assistant, and first responder,” minister added. The course will be in Marathi. The minister also said he would try to fill vacant posts so that rural areas have good doctors and paramedical staff.  

Talking to The Asian Age, Director of Public Health Dr Satish Pawar said, “ While introducing the training, we are also looking to fill vacant posts. All out efforts are being made to fill the vacant posts of medical officers and specialists in rural areas.”