MUMBAI: The first batch of around 1,000 ayurveda doctors has cleared a six-month bridge course that will allow them to provide basic treatment using modern medicine at state-run health and wellness centres (HWCs). The candidates will work as mid-level health providers (MHLP) and have received joining letters for 850 functional HWCs.

Under Ayushman Bharat, the state plans to convert its 10,600 sub-centres into HWCs by 2022. At HWCs, patients can receive treatment for 12 health issues, from non-communicable diseases, mother and child health, family planning, contraceptive services to basic emergency services. The state intends to appoint an MHLP for each wellness centre that will be attached to a higher primary health centre (PHC).

While initially only ayurveda graduates were allowed to get enrolled in the bridge course, the state has now decided to allow even Unanis, BSc nursing graduates and community health degree holders for subsequent batches.

Dr Anup Yadava, Commissioner (Health Services), said that the state plans to hire over 10,000 MHLPs by the year 2022. He stated that the mid-level workers will handle the epidemic of non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension and blood pressure, and ensure that these conditions are detected and treated early. With an HWC, they will have a fully functional health centre for a population of 5,000, he added. In addition to functional knowledge of pharmacology, the candidates received hands-on training of dealing with basic emergencies. The training was followed by an exit exam.

Dr Satish Pawar of National Health Mission said that around 100 candidates out of 1,250 who were trained failed to clear the exam. The results of nearly 170 are held. He said that MHLPs would prescribe basic medicines and antibiotics but under the supervision of an MBBS doctor at the PHC. Diabetes or hypertension medicines would be started by MBBS doctors but follow-ups will be handled by MHLPs.

If an MHLP decides to leave the job, he/she would be expected to pay Rs 1 lakh spent on training him/her.