Pariamentary panel rejects bill on health education standards

NEW DELHI: Citing "serious apprehensions" raised by various stakeholders including state governments, a Parliamentary panel has rejected a Bill which seeks to provide a mechanism to regulate standards of health education in the country.

In its report, the Standing Committee on Health said that following apprehensions expressed by various stakeholders on effectiveness of National Commission for Human Resources for Health Bill, 2011, it is asking the Health Ministry "to consider all shades of opinion and all the suggestions and bring forward a revised comprehensive Bill before Parliament."

"The Committee recommends that the Ministry may withdraw this Bill and bring forward a fresh Bill...," the report submitted to Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari here yesterday said.

The Committee supported the stand of the state governments that the legislation does not give representation to states.

"...the composition of the Commission gives no representation to the states. The Committee agrees with the viewpoint put forth by the state representatives that the states play a vital role in delivery of health care and medical education. States are well versed with existing medical education capacity and know their future requirements better," the report said asking the government to keep the interests of the states in mind while redrafting the bill.

It said several stakeholders have raised "serious apprehensions" on various provisions of the Bill and effectiveness of various bodies that are proposed to be established under the Bill.

"Some stakeholders favoured strengthening of the existing Councils rather than overarching body as proposed in the Bill. ..the Committee notes the concern expressed by the Councils...The Committee feels that these apprehensions need to be appropriately addressed by the Government in the Bill," said the report.

The Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on December 22 last year and referred to the Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare shortly afterwards.

"In view of the apprehensions expressed by various stakeholders, the Committee felt that the Bill in the present form cannot be recommended," the report said.