On Monday, the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) had written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a distinct cadre for healthcare professionals matched with Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS).

It stated that the coronavirus pandemic has stressed the need for improving the healthcare set-up in the country starting from the grassroots.

The formation of the Indian Medical Services (IMS) cadre has become more significant in the period of coronavirus outbreak. The federation said that doctors from various specialties can develop effective strategies for controlling the epidemic and improve the overall healthcare system in the future.

It said that healthcare systems need exhaustive knowledge of the domain. Knowledge of subject specialists in developing policies is necessary for stimulating the healthcare system of the nation. The demand for a separate cadre for healthcare workers in line with the IAS, IPS, etc., is a long-pending one, as per the federation. The Health Survey and Planning Committee, known as Mudaliar Committee had suggested the establishment of a central health cadre in its report in 1961.

The letter read that the government had decided to constitute the All India Medical and Health Service earlier in 1968. But, after several discussions and consultations with states over the years, this cadre is yet to be brought into action.

Source: Business Standard