BHUBANESWAR: The State Government is working on a new health policy to strengthen health care delivery at all levels and develop an efficient system that will fix accountability. A draft of the policy will be released shortly for public opinion.
After a review of the draft policy here on Thursday, health adviser to Odisha Government Dr. K Srinath Reddy said the new policy will bring a revolutionary change in the health system of the State. Before the policy is sent for Cabinet approval, it will be uploaded on the Government Website for public opinion, Dr Reddy said and maintained that the policy has been developed after going through policies of some developed countries where healthcare is top priority.
“It has been drafted in such a way that we can effectively provide all necessary healthcare to people keeping in mind all major challenges, including maternal and child health, infectious diseases and both communicable and non-communicable diseases,” he said.The health advisor met Health Minister Pratap Jena and senior officials, including Secretary Dr. Pramod Meherda, and discussed how the health system is to be organised in terms of infrastructure, human resources, financing, governance and community participation.
He also held discussions on the new medical colleges and hospitals being established in the State besides the strategies to make rural healthcare system more effective. The new health policy is being prepared by Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH), Bhubaneswar. Among others, Director (Health Services) Dr. KC Dash, Director (Public Health) Dr. BK Mishra and IIPH director Lipika Nanda were present.