Christian’s consultation meet on health sector

NEW DEWHI: Against the backdrop of fast-changing scenario of the health sector in the country, a three-day strategic consultation of the Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI) began here on Thursday. This CMAI consultation on community health initiatives for the vulnerable and the role of mission hospitals has brought together over 40 experts - practitioners, academics, policy analysts, and advocacy - to take stock of the present, explore newer areas of service and advocacy, recommend strategies for responding to the changing scenario. “In the fast-changing context of the health sector in the country, the increasing presence of private healthcare, the slow but steady improvement in provision of government health services, and changes in the health and population profi le, there are many health needs that remain unaddressed, some because they were (till now) under-recognised, others because they have increased in prevalence or are newly emerging, said CMAI General Secretary Dr Vijay Kumar Aruldas. The CMAI is a national agency having a network of over 300 mission hospitals, including 5 medical colleges, many tertiary and secondary hospitals and primary healthcare programmes spread across the country, which is committed to the poor and the vulnerable, especially to those who are unreached. It is presently involved in strategic interventions addressing TB, Malaria, HIV and AIDS, substance abuse, sex selection, human resource training and others. It represents over 10,000 health professionals who are members of the Association, and is also the health agency of the National Council of Churches in India. The highlights of the discussion will include palliative care and continued focus on the poor, needy and the most vulnerable in the society is crucial, and this consultation will look at newer ways to do so. In addition, the assembly will look with more depth into the issue of health of the urban poor which it says has long been neglected, and is only now gaining national attention as the problems of rapid urbanisation can no longer be ignored. “There is a need to have strategic interventions that pilot models of health promotion, community upbuilding and mobilisation,” Dr Aruldas added. The discussion will also deliberate on mental health which the CMAI feels that has been neglected and has also has been growing as an area of need. A total of 450 million people around the world are affected by behavioural and mental healthproblems. “Mental and behavioural disorders are common, affecting more than 25 per cent of all people at some time during their lives.They affect people, regardless of gender, economic status, religion, race or environment. Dementia, depression, suicides and schizophrenia - the list is long and daunting. One in four families is likely to have at least one member with a behavioural or mental disorder,” he added. He said: “Palliative care, that is alleviating the suffering of those who are terminally ill and helping them to live with dignity, is a growing need, with the increasing number of elderly, the rising incidence of cancer and others. “ The recommendations of this consultation will be shared with practitioners, policy makers and others who are interested in this area. It will form the basis for concerted action by the network, and will help focus the nation’s attention on areas of need.