Union health minister JP Nadda, who was in the city Saturday to make the national launch of the rotavirus vaccine, spoke exclusively to Orissa POST on various issues related to the health sector. Excerpts from the interview
with Manish Kumar
Q Many states, including Orissa, suffer from a dearth of qualified doctors. Do you have any plan to increase PG seats in medical colleges?
A We will soon be taking steps to address this issue. We will look into this problem soon. However, it will be premature for me to comment on the issue right now.
Q The Mental Healthcare Bill, 2013 and the HIV & AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014 are still pending in Parliament. What are the reasons for their pendency?
A We are committed to get these bills passed. We will be moving them forward for passage in Parliament. However, I cannot comment on these issues elaborately.
Q International funding to National AIDS Control Programme has declined. Will it not have an adverse impact on the overall programme?
A No. The government is committed to ensure the programme runs smoothly and people living with HIV can get government support.
Q But is the Centre capable enough now to ensure HIV treatment through government hospitals in the country despite funding challenge?
A Yes. The Centre has extended treatment facilities for more people living with HIV. Now, people having a CD count between 420 and 500 can also get government support. With this move, we have ensured government-provided treatment for one lakh more people living with HIV in the last one year. The funding issue will also be taken care of.
Q Available data suggests that of all the new AIIMS in the country, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, received the largest sum of funds from the Centre. Any specific reason?
A No. The allocation of central funds to the different AIIMS institutions spread across the country is based on the work plans furnished by them. So the funding was made purely on the available work plans.
Q It is being heard that there could be some administrative changes at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, and that its director may be shifted. What are the plans?
A The appointment of the director of AIIMS is conducted through a pre-determined process. There is a selection committee that takes such decisions. The Centre has little role to play in this matter.
