Like RTE, Karnataka thinking of 'Right to Health' Act

Mangalore, September 10: The state government is considering enacting a legislation guaranteeing 'Right to Health' for every citizen similar to the Right to Education Act, Aravind Limbavali, State Health Minister said.

He was speaking to mediapersons in Mangalore on Monday where he chaired a health review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner's office and visited the District Government Wenlock Hospital.

Mr. Limbavali said just like RTE Act, a suggestion to have an Act on RTH (Right to Health) is before the state government. “It is being seriously considered but everything is at a very preliminary stage. We are yet to hold discussions with various stakeholders in the medical fraternity to enact the best possible Act guaranteeing the right to health to our citizens. Karnataka wants to take the initiative in having an RTH Act in the entire country and we will also look into the various loopholes in the medical and health areas of our state before framing the laws”, the Minister said.

The government will also be implementing the Vajpayee Arogyashree Project from October wherein amounts of Rs. 1.5 lakhs would be shelled out to the poor and BPL card holders for their health needs every year, Mr. Limbavali said.

The overall health scenario of Dakshina Kannada district is 'satisfactory', Mr. Limbavali said, stating that diseases, including contagious diseases and Rat Fever are in control. In Udupi too, Rate Fever is under control, he said.

'Get doctors to work on contract basis'

Mr. Limbavali however said that there is a dearth of doctors and paramedical personnel in the district and that the government has started the process of appointments. The government will also take steps to okay permanent appointment of nurses, he informed.

In spite of having made mandatory the rural service for medical students, the government is aware that the problem of addressing health issues in the region would remain unsolved if there are insufficient doctors. The Deputy Commissioner and District Health Officer have been directed to get doctors to work on contract basis the way doctors serve in private hospitals on hourly basis or patient-basis, Mr. Limbavali said.