The state government has directed district Collectors to immediately ensure uninterrupted health services to rural and tribal people. The collectors were expected to supervise the Fixed Day Health services (FDH).
A GO to this effect has been issued by Principal Secretary(Health), PV Ramesh, on Saturday.
The Collectors will be empowered to take over the assets and vehicles under the possession of Health Management And Research Institute (HMRI).
Earlier, the FDH services were being implemented by HMRI since February 10th, 2009, as per an agreement between the government and HMRI.
Due to strike of HMRI staff, the services came to a standstill since November 9th.
Under these circumstances, the new GO has been issued to revive the FDH services.
The collectors have been now empowered to depute medical officers and other staff based on the need and availability of human resources in the PHC without interruption to regular services.
The services of pharmacists and lab technicians may also be hired on outsourcing basis.
The GO stated that it was a temporary arrangement to tide over the current crisis. The HMRI has been asked to work in coordination with the Commissioner, Health and Family Welfare, to ensure that health services in rural areas are uninterrupted.