Start of DNB broad speciality courses at district, sub-district hospitals a great beginning: DAK

Srinagar: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today in a communique stated that start of DNB broad speciality courses at various district and sub-district hospitals by state government is a very great initiative and is definitely going to address shortage of specialist doctors on fast track basis and will help in overall improvement and strengthen of health care delivery system in the state.

President DAK, Dr Suhail Naik said that start of post graduate courses in district and sub-district hospitals is dire need of the hour in order to address the shortage,   availability and accessiblty of specialist doctors in rural health care system.

“Our district and subdistrict hospitals are safety net for the rural health care system and are now first point of contact for 90 percent patients in state,” DAK said in a statement.

“Our health care system is constantly evolving due to such health care reforms and we are hopeful that soon golden minute emergency interventions will be order of the day in our rural set up,” said Dr Naik requested state adminstration to keep these DNB post graduate seats reserved for in-service medical officers who are serving in far-flung areas as a carrier incentive.

“They have infused their blood and sweat to profession and sustained rural health care delivery system in turmoil hit state fighting all odds and it is now time for state government to reward them,” he said

Dr Owais H Dar, General Secretary DAK said that separate merit list must be framed for in-service medical officers and there should be 50 % horizontal reservation for them.

According to Dar it is important to give age relaxation at entry level to the said courses so that senior doctors will be eligible for higher education as education is basic fundamental right of every individual.

“Furthermore consultants who will act as guides to these upcoming DNB scholars should be designated as assistant/ associate and professors in analogy with faculty working in different government medical colleges of state,” Dar said.

“Caderization of other consultants of health Department must be done as consultants, senior consultants and cheif consultants with time bound promotions in analogy to consultants of Medical colleges as it is these doctors who are serving in rural and difficult areas of our state,” he added.