By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 4 Apr: Health Minister Subodh Uniyal has claimed that the Health Department has intensified its preparations for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra and that it would also address long-standing healthcare challenges in the state’s hill regions. Speaking on Saturday to select media persons, the Minister admitted that the patients in remote villages suffer due to poor road connectivity and the acute shortage of specialist doctors, often resulting in tragic outcomes before they can reach hospitals.
Uniyal, speaking to media persons during an informal chat, added that the Government is fully aware of the difficulties faced in hill districts and added that the government is working on a practical solution. He explained that despite the provision of fifty per cent additional pay, specialist doctors have been generally reluctant to accept postings in remote areas. He emphasised that the State can’t compel the doctors to serve against their will, but added that a new system of roster postings is being introduced. Under this arrangement, the specialist doctors would be posted in hill districts for six months before being rotated back, thereby ensuring continuity of services without overburdening individual doctors. He expressed confidence that this system would help bridge the gap and gradually reduce the shortage of specialists in mountain hospitals.
Uniyal further noted that family security is a major concern for doctors, which is why the government is considering the establishment of doctors’ colonies in Dehradun and Haldwani. He said that such colonies would provide a sense of stability for the families of the doctors and encourage the specialist doctors to serve in remote areas with greater commitment.
The Minister also stressed that the preparations for the Char Dham Yatra are being taken very seriously. The training batches of doctors from Doon Medical College and Srinagar Medical College would be posted in the hills in order to treat high altitude sickness, cardiac arrests and accidents. He expressed hope that the measures being taken would reduce fatalities compared to previous years.
It may be recalled that since assuming charge of the health ministry recently, Uniyal has inspected several hospitals across the state. He admitted that shortcomings exist but expressed satisfaction that cleanliness has improved, the doctors are regularly present, and that the patients are not being unnecessarily referred elsewhere. He urged the doctors to recognise the faith patients place in them, who often see them as saviours, and called upon them to work with dedication and compassion.
The government has also directed that hospital ambulances be used for delivery cases in mountain areas, functioning like the 108 Emergency service, to ensure that pregnant women can be transported swiftly to medical facilities. Uniyal also reminded that road connectivity in Uttarakhand has improved significantly, and assured that efforts are underway to extend it to all villages.
