19 health workers for every 10,000 people: Nadda
14 March 2015 12:12 AM GMT
In a startling revelation, Lok Sabha was informed on Friday that India has only 19 health workers, including doctors and nurses for every 10,000 people in comparison to World Health Organisation (WHO) norms which prescribe 25 health workers.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda said: “As per the Report of the Steering Committee on Health for the 12th Five Year Plan of the Planning Commission, India has 19 health workers comprising of six doctors and 13 nurses and midwives per 10,000 people in the country. The WHO norms recommend 25 health workers for the same size of population,’ adding, “additionally, there are 7.9 lakh AYUSH practitioners registered in the country (approximately 6.5 per 10,000).”
The health minister said that as per information provided by Medical Council of India (MCI) and Indian Nursing Council (INC), the total number of registered doctors is 9,36,488 as on December 31, 2014, adding that as on December 31, 2013, the number of auxiliary nurses and midwives are 7,56,937 while registered nurses and midwives are 16,73,338. Data in respect of health professionals in rural and urban areas is not maintained centrally.
Also, the minister said that the Centre has not conducted any study or survey to ascertain the number of doctors and other medical and para-medical professionals required in the rural and urban areas of the country.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda said: “As per the Report of the Steering Committee on Health for the 12th Five Year Plan of the Planning Commission, India has 19 health workers comprising of six doctors and 13 nurses and midwives per 10,000 people in the country. The WHO norms recommend 25 health workers for the same size of population,’ adding, “additionally, there are 7.9 lakh AYUSH practitioners registered in the country (approximately 6.5 per 10,000).”
The health minister said that as per information provided by Medical Council of India (MCI) and Indian Nursing Council (INC), the total number of registered doctors is 9,36,488 as on December 31, 2014, adding that as on December 31, 2013, the number of auxiliary nurses and midwives are 7,56,937 while registered nurses and midwives are 16,73,338. Data in respect of health professionals in rural and urban areas is not maintained centrally.
Also, the minister said that the Centre has not conducted any study or survey to ascertain the number of doctors and other medical and para-medical professionals required in the rural and urban areas of the country.
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