Human resources for health in India
Mohan Rao1, Krishna D Rao, A K Shiva Kumar
1Centre of Social Medicine and Community Health, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
Lancet (London, England)
|January 14, 2011
Summary
India faces a critical health workforce shortage, especially in rural areas, necessitating policy reforms. Addressing underinvestment and poor governance is crucial for universal healthcare access.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Policy
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- India experiences a severe shortage of qualified health workers, with a significant urban concentration.
- Rural and remote areas face challenges in accessing care, often relying on unqualified providers.
- Migration of doctors and nurses, inadequate nurse authority, and insufficient training resources exacerbate the crisis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical human resources for health challenges in India.
- To underscore the need for a comprehensive national health workforce policy.
- To propose solutions for improving healthcare access in underserved regions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the current state of human resources for health in India.
- Identification of key issues including workforce distribution, education quality, and governance.
- Review of potential policy interventions and investments.
Main Results:
- Significant disparities exist in health worker distribution, favoring urban over rural areas.
- Quality and governance of medical and nursing education are impacted by privatization.
- Underinvestment and poor governance are root causes of the health sector's challenges.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive national policy for human resources is essential for achieving universal healthcare.
- Incentives, task-shifting, and integration of traditional medicine practitioners are needed for rural health.
- Increased investment in medical, nursing, and public health education is vital for quality and relevance.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:28International Nursing Organizations II
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations based in Geneva. The WHO has many initiatives that center around health. Primarily, they lead global efforts to expand universal health coverage using science-based policies and programs. They are also responsible for shaping health research agendas and developing norms and standards.
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology (HIT)
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
01:17Healthcare Agencies II
There are various healthcare agencies in the United States—some of which are managed by religious institutions and others by different government branches.
Parish nursing is a growing specialty nursing profession that focuses on holistic healthcare, health promotion, and illness prevention. It blends professional nursing practice with a health ministry, focusing on health and healing within the context of a Christian community. Parish nurses serve as health educators, referral sources, and lay...
Parish nursing is a growing specialty nursing profession that focuses on holistic healthcare, health promotion, and illness prevention. It blends professional nursing practice with a health ministry, focusing on health and healing within the context of a Christian community. Parish nurses serve as health educators, referral sources, and lay...
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...