Dehradun: The efforts of the Dhami government of Uttarakhand towards improving health services during a huge and sensitive event like the Chardham Yatra have been recognized at the national level. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved the proposal of the state government’s health department, in which permission was sought for voluntary deployment of postgraduate medical trainee doctors. The approval given by the NMC not only strengthens the preparation of Uttarakhand, but it can also become a guide for future public health policies. This decision will provide a rare platform of social service, training and experience to the future doctors of the country. Health Secretary Dr. R Rajesh Kumar said that on the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, the health department is fully prepared to provide high level health facilities in the Chardham Yatra.
Practical opportunity will be available for DRP certificate
Now for the first time, postgraduate doctors like MD/MS/DNB will be able to obtain District Residency Program (DRP) certificate by serving in Chardham Yatra. NMC has clarified that the services provided during the Yatra will be valid under clinical rotation or DRP and doctors will not have to undergo a separate three-month training for this.
Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar said, “This decision is not only useful for the pilgrims, but will also give practical experience to the trainee doctors to deal with high Himalayan medicine and emergency situations. The Health Department will ensure all the necessary arrangements so that this initiative can be implemented effectively.”
Training of Himalayan medicine and experience of service
NMC Secretary Dr. Raghav Langer said that this is a great example where coordination of academic and public health sector is proving useful in the interest of society. The contribution of doctors will be important during the Chardham Yatra amid excessive crowd, adverse weather and geographical difficulties.
State government will arrange for logistic support
The Uttarakhand government will arrange for proper accommodation, food, training, service certificate and other necessary facilities for these doctors. Special medical units will be strengthened on the travel routes so that the devotees can get quick and expert health care.
Willingness to participate from all over the country
After the approval of NMC, positive responses are coming from medical colleges and institutions across the country for the participation of trainee doctors. Young doctors are considering this initiative as an important opportunity both in terms of service and career development.
Successful example of cooperative governance
This initiative has emerged as an excellent example based on the principles of cooperative federal governance, where the state and central governments are jointly developing innovation and partnership-based solutions to make a religious journey safe and smooth.
Message of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami: “Chardham Yatra should be safe, smooth and balanced”
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed this decision and said, “Our government resolves that Chardham Yatra should not only be a journey of devotion, but also become an example in terms of safety and convenience. The approval given by NMC is a source of energy for us and it shows that the central and state governments are working together in the interest of the public. This initiative will not only provide strong health security to the pilgrims, but will also give young doctors a unique opportunity to train with a spirit of service.
