Jayalalithaa opposes human resources for health bill

Chennai, April 12 (IANS) Vehemently opposing the centre's National Commission for Human Resources for Health (NCHRH) Bill, 2011 as it "undermines the principle of federalism", Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa Thursday told Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to maintain status quo with regard to medical, dental and paramedical education.

In a letter to Singh, the text of which was released to the media here, Jayalalithaa said: "I would like to place on record my vehement objection to the National Commission for Human Resources for Health (NCHRH) Bill, 2011, which has now been referred to the Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare by the Rajya Sabha."

According to her, the new bill effectively puts the leadership and decision-making process with regard to medical, dental and paramedical education in the hands of about 25 people, all of whom are nominees of the central government.

"This undermines the powers of the state governments, which are left with no role to play in policy issues related to health manpower, planning, curriculum and course design as well as approval of new institutions offering courses in medicine and allied disciplines," Jayalalithaa said.

She added: "Need-based planning for medical, dental and paramedical manpower should follow regional and local demands. This would best be achieved only by giving adequate representation to the states in policy-making bodies."