Gujarat's Health System Lacks HR Policy, In Crisis

India's auditing body, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), has criticised the state government, stating that the lack of a clear human resource policy has disrupted the healthcare system. Furthermore, the report pointed out that due to the absence of clear guidelines for procurement, healthcare institutions are not receiving timely supplies of medicines.

The final report presented by the CAG in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly highlighted the absence of a human resource policy for public health institutions, leading to a shortage of 23 per cent doctors, 6 per cent nurses, and 23 per cent paramedical staff.

It pointed out that 22 out of 33 districts in Gujarat are facing a severe shortage of doctors. The state government should promptly fill the staffing gaps in primary healthcare facilities.

The CAG's report further noted that specialist doctors' posts were vacant by 28 per cent to 51 per cent, while nursing colleges were facing a staffing shortage of up to 76 per cent, as per the standards of the Indian Nursing Council. The report advised the state government to take effective steps to enhance OPD and IPD services as per Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS).

The report also emphasised that there is a shortage of critical services such as emergency care, intensive care units, operation theaters, and blood banks. There were serious concerns raised over the inadequate supply of medicines and medical equipment, as well as delays in their timely procurement. The CAG recommended that the health department must urgently address these issues in the best interest of patients.

The report also draws attention to the structural facilities in public health institutions, including beds and buildings. Additionally, concerns were raised over the management of biomedical waste, with a call for strict adherence to Biomedical Waste Management Rules to ensure proper collection and disposal.

It was also noted that the Gujarat Medical Council and the Gujarat Nursing Council had shown negligence in terms of the tenure of their members, and no restructuring had been done.