Synopsis
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis calls for enhanced healthcare in rural areas through voluntary participation of medical professionals. The Maharashtra Medical Council will now award credit points for such efforts, aiding in license renewal. This initiative aims to improve access to quality healthcare for underserved populations.Key Takeaways
- Devendra Fadnavis emphasizes voluntary medical service.
- Credit points offered for rural healthcare contributions.
- Enhancement of access to healthcare for rural citizens.
- Significant participation from registered doctors is encouraged.
- Approximately 200,000 medical professionals affiliated.
Mumbai, April 15 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, highlighted the critical role of voluntary engagement from licensed medical practitioners to enhance healthcare services in rural areas of Maharashtra.
He instructed the Maharashtra Medical Council to provide Credit Points, essential for license renewal, under the Continuing Medical Education (CME) framework, to physicians who render voluntary medical assistance in rural locales.
The Chief Minister pointed out that due to economic constraints, rural inhabitants frequently struggle to access sufficient healthcare. By motivating registered doctors to deliver free medical services in villages, quality healthcare can be made available to underserved communities.
In response to the Chief Minister’s orders, the Maharashtra Medical Council has implemented significant modifications to the CME system.
Presently, about 200,000 registered medical professionals are associated with the Council. These practitioners are required to renew their licenses every five years by accumulating credit points, usually by attending academic events and training sessions. Now, contributions to rural healthcare, including involvement in free medical camps, surgical procedures, and other health initiatives, will also earn credit.
An official remarked that young doctors will acquire essential insights into rural health challenges, while urban practitioners can engage in research and provide scientific evaluations of healthcare hurdles in remote regions.
He noted that numerous doctors already volunteer in this capacity, and the CME system will now officially acknowledge and promote such initiatives.
“Doctors will earn 1 credit point for every 3 hours and 2 credit points for 6 hours of voluntary service in rural medical/surgical camps. These credit points will facilitate the renewal of their medical licenses,” he stated.
Around 4,500 hospitals, including those under the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, charitable trusts, and government medical colleges, comprise the rural health service network.
To date, over 9,500 community health camps have been conducted, coordinated by the Chief Minister’s Relief Cell, Charity Commissioner, and the National Health Mission.
Nearly 50% of registered doctors are involved in these rural health camps, supporting Chief Minister Fadnavis’ effort to enhance access to grassroots healthcare.
