Need to upgrade government hospitals, increase in the health budget and steps to make available expensive drugs at nominal cost are some of the thrust areas on which the government should focus its attention, opined the speakers at the inaugural of a national seminar here on Sunday.
The seminar on ‘Health for all – role of governments’, was organised by Praja Arogya Vedika (PAV) in association with Dr. Durgabhai Deshmukh Centre for Women Studies, Andhra University.
Andhra University Vice-Chancellor G. Nageswara Rao, while agreeing that there was every need to increase the spending on the education and health by the government, called for a change in the attitude of people towards government organisations.
Despite having the best infrastructure and highly qualified doctors, not many were interested in taking treatment at government hospitals. It was the same with government schools and colleges, which have highly qualified teachers and good infrastructure. Though many of the private schools do not have qualified teachers, parents prefer such schools.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, said that government doctors and teachers should also take the blame for the dismal state of affairs. Though they work hard to get into government service, once they get into the job, many of them would be averse to serve in remote areas and begin trials to get transferred to cities soon after their posting.
Recalling his own experience, Prof. Nageswara Rao said: “During the early days of my career as a lecturer in Andhra University, I wanted to admit my children in AU High School but my family members were against it. The same was the case when I suggested treatment at government hospitals.”
Cost of drugs
Andhra University Registrar V. Umamaheswara Rao opined that drugs should be made available at PHCs and programmes like ‘Make in India’ could bring down the cost of medical care.
G. Venkateswara Reddy, former Head of the Department of Cardiology, KGH, was felicitated on the occasion.
S. Suresh, PAV convener, spoke about the activities of the organisation.
