Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) has about 40 seats for specialisation (many of them in diploma courses). And it was this institution that witnessed 14 specialists leaving for the private sector last year. “In recent years, disgruntlement surfaced among specialists when their requests for better facilities and remuneration were not met. The allowance to specialists in the state is a mere Rs 660. But now the question is how will the private doctors help in strengthening the health services,” said an office-bearer of the doctors’ association, on condition of anonymity.

In the annual plan meeting held recently, Chief Minister P.K. Dhumal had asked the health department to explore the possibility of hiring private specialists, understandably to tide over the shortfall in the state. Sources in the health department reveal that there is a shortage of about 264 specialists and about 250 general duty officers. In addition to this, under the National Rural Health Mission, the state has promised to upgrade 66 community health centres (CHC) as first referral units (FRUs), where at least seven specialists would be appointed as per the norms. In view of the shortage of specialists and slow pace of activity, the state has so far upgraded 36 FRUs, of which only six are functional, with just two specialists each.

When contacted, Health Minister Rajeev Bindal said, “The CM has just asked the health department to explore the idea of hiring private doctors and we will assess its viability before it takes the shape of a policy.” On measures for checking exodus of specialists, Bindal said, “Time is needed to sort out any problem.”