KOCHI: The State Government is planning to introduce a e-health register that is linked to Aadhaar card, with the aim of providing comprehensive healthcare to the common man, said Health and Family Welfare Minister K K Shailaja.
The e-register, containing health status of all citizens, will be an authentic document on the public health of Kerala society.
Speaking after inaugurating new the cathlab and advanced intensive care unit at Ernakulam General Hospital here on Tuesday, Shailaja said, "such a facility will be helpful when patients are rushed to hospital in emergency situations. In phase-II, the project will be implemented in seven districts, including Ernakulam," said the Minister, adding that the government had started inspecting the taluk and district hospitals in the State.
"Government hospitals are still functioning with the staff pattern set in 1961. A change in staff pattern is essential to make functioning of the hospitals more effective. Despite Kerala being the best in the country in public healthcare, almost all hospitals in the State are over-crowded," said Shailaja, adding that the government's aim was to provide better treatment at reasonable cost.
"Primary Health Centres will be converted into 'Family Health Centres,' where the health status of people from a particular region could be monitored. There is nothing wrong in integrating Yoga into treatment, if it could have a positive result. But, it should be done in a secular manner," she said.
Shailaja is of the opinion that hospital buildings should look beautiful. "The ambiance of hospitals can have an impact on patients. Beautifying hospital building and their surroundings will be great relief to patients. The Hospital Development Committees can do a lot in this regard," she said.
The function was presided over by Hibi Eden MlA. District Collector M G Rajamanickam welcomed the gathering. MLAs M Swaraj, K J Maxi and John Fernandez; former MLA Ludy Louiz; former MP P Rajeev; district panchayat president Asha Sanil; councillors and senior doctors were also present
Govt service mandatory for PG doctors
Later, speaking at a meet-the-press programme held at the Ernakulam Press Club, the Minister said the government was planning to make government service mandatory for those who complete medical PG courses.
"A decision in this regard was taken as the government is finding it difficult to get specialist doctors to work in the public sector. There have been complaints of dearth of specialist doctors in many hospitals. Though the government is ready to make appointments, most specialist doctors are not willing to join government service. The plan is to make government service mandatory for a minimum of three years. It is a fact that the government sector is not attractive in terms of monetary benefit. But, doctors should consider it as their responsibility to serve society," said the Minister, adding that a health policy was being prepared.