With Critical Views on Covid Management, Parl Panel Seeks Vaccine Subsidy, Investment in Healthcare

From suggestions on creation of the ‘Indian Health Service’ in streamlining the public healthcare system to increase in investment for the development of heath sector, the Parliamentary Panel on Health, in its 123rd report, has listed out a series of measures that the government should take in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Aggrieving at the poor state of healthcare system, the Committee recommends for increasing investment in public health infrastructure.” ‘NPPA TO REGULATE PRICES OF OXYGEN’ Expressing concerns over the instances of lack of oxygen cylinders in the hospitals and increase in the demand of non-invasive oxygen cylinders, the Committee has suggested that the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority should take appropriate measures for capping the price of the oxygen cylinders so that the availability as well as affordability of the oxygen cylinders is ensured in all hospitals for medical consumption. ‘INCREASE THE NUMBER OF EPIDIMIOLOGISTS IN INDIA’ Recognising the crucial role of epidemiologists in underlying the distribution of disease and the strategy for its control, the Committee says, “better trained health workers in epidemiology are fundamental for a robust surveillance system.” The Committee has also asked the government to set the target of one trained field epidemiologist per 200,000 population. “The Committee, therefore, recommends the Ministry to also ensure that basic healthcare services like immunization, maternal, neonatal healthcare facilities, health check-ups, screenings etc are not disrupted in the Health and Wellness Centres.” ‘SET UP POST RECOVERY CLINICS AND STUDY RE-INFECTIONS’ The report also suggests that the government address the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection, the proportion of adverse reactions after hospital discharge and the possible development of other viral and/or bacterial infections Committee recommends the Ministry to set up post-COVID clinics, on the lines of AIIMS Delhi, to look after the recovered patients who are facing post COVID 19 issues. INVEST IN HEALTHCARE AND MANPOWER The committee has also recommended filling up of vacant posts of healthcare workers on an urgent basis, invest in mental health services and increase spending on healthcare.” his lack of investment in the health infrastructure has exposed the fragility of Indian health ecosystem which posed a big hurdle in generating an effective response against the pandemic.” it says.