Health sector in need of urgent revamp

The state has made a number of advancements and achievements in the field of medicine. However, while Tamil Nadu’s healthcare sector has received appreciation from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and has been a trailblazer in the country, there are a number of areas that need immediate attention. The state has been doing extremely well in women and child care. 

The total fertility rate (TFR) is 1.7 in Tamil Nadu, which is lower than Kerala’s, which is at 1.8. This is a great achievement, considering that the literacy rate is 100 per cent for women in Kerala, as against 65 per cent in Tamil Nadu. TN passed the Public Health Act of 1939 long before other states did. The Act, which has served as a model for other states, like West Bengal and Maharashtra, addresses a number of issues, such as the mosquito menace, sexually transmitted diseases and health provisions to be factored in for industrial and residential areas. 

However, this Act is yet to be implemented to its fullest potential. A bill on hospital registration and regulation is still pending in the Legislative Assembly. If passed at the earliest, it would be an extremely progressive Act which can hold private hospitals accountable as it lays down the necessary guidelines that have to be followed. Instances like the death of patients at a private hospital during the recent floods can be dealt with more effectively.

Similarly, the adherence to national programmes with respect to communicable diseases like tuberculosis has to be ensured. The treatment for tuberculosis in private hospitals differs from the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) which is the state-run tuberculosis (TB) control initiative of the government of India. Therefore, there is drug resistance. We have a minuscule 0.5 per cent of our health budget allocated for research. 

A small state like Haryana has been investing in medical research. I suggest government and private medical colleges across districts identify candidates for research and the areas for study. We would be able to produce at least 100 papers per year. The health system has to be revamped to ensure speedy repair of equipment that lies unused due to lack of funds. 

All medical apparatus from BP machines to MRI scanners -- should be restored to working condition in not less than 48 hours for the smaller ones and one month for the bigger ones.