Telangana plagued by healthcare staff crunch: CRM report

HYDERABAD: The latest report of the 11th Common Review Mission by the ministry of health and family welfare noted a severe shortage of health care staff, especially of paramedics in the state.


Also the lack of fire safety norms, air borne infections control norms and grievance redressal mechanisms at district levels was pointed out.

“The division of the state of Telangana from 10 to 31 districts, has resulted in a shortage of trained manpower and many operational issues leading to ineffective programme implementation and a need for an effective programme planning and implementation,” the report read.

Retention of specialists and doctors was also shown to be a ‘challenge’ for many other states, including Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand among others. Training was also pointed out to be an urgent need. “As states progress towards selection and training of Mid- Level Health Care Providers, there is a critical need across the states to address gaps in drugs and logistic support to operationalize HWCs. This is particularly urgent for states such as Jharkhand, Karnataka, Odisha, Uttarakhand, UP, and Telangana where a significant pool of Mid- Level Health Care Providers will be ready to provide services by January 2018,” as per the report.

Meanwhile, emergency referral transport facilities-104-Ammovadi (referral transport services for pregnant women) and 108 Emergency services, bike ambulance, 24/7 availability of hearse vans were highly appreciated.

Several other initiatives of the state were also lauded, including availability of anti-hypertensive and diabetes-related drugs at districts. Telangana was identified as a 'high performer' state when it comes to implementation of mother and child care initiatives. An increase in the out-patient department, in patient department, delivery care, C-section and surgeries at the district hospitals was also noted. The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) for SC/ST communities recieved mention.