Q.20. Examine state government’s efforts, initiatives and policy directions in the medical and healthcare sphere with reference to Uttar Pradesh Health Policy 2018. उत्तर प्रदेश स्वास्थ्य नीति 2018 के संदर्भ में चिकित्सा और स्वास्थ्य सेवा क्षेत्र में राज्य सरकार के प्रयासों, पहलों और नीति निर्देशन का परीक्षण कीजिए|

The Uttar Pradesh Health Policy, 2018 focuses on several key areas to improve medical and healthcare services in the state. Here are some of the state government’s efforts, initiatives, and policy directions outlined in the policy:

• Primary Healthcare Strengthening: The policy emphasizes strengthening primary healthcare services by upgrading infrastructure, increasing the availability of essential drugs and equipment, and ensuring adequate staffing at primary health centers (PHCs) and community health centers (CHCs).
• Human Resource Development: There is a focus on recruiting and training healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff, to address the shortage of skilled personnel in the healthcare sector.
• Infrastructure Development: The policy emphasizes infrastructure development in healthcare facilities, including the construction and renovation of hospitals, PHCs, and CHCs, to provide quality healthcare services to the population.
• Telemedicine and E-health: The policy encourages the use of telemedicine and e-health technologies to improve access to healthcare services, especially in rural and remote areas where physical access to healthcare facilities is limited.
• Health Information Management: The policy emphasizes the importance of effective health information management systems to track health indicators, monitor disease outbreaks, and improve healthcare planning and decision-making.
• Health Financing: The policy outlines strategies for mobilizing resources and improving the efficiency of healthcare financing, including innovative financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships, and health insurance schemes. The state government aimed to increase its spending on healthcare from 1.4%to 2.5% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
• Nutrition and Maternal Health: There is a focus on addressing malnutrition and improving maternal and child health outcomes through nutrition programs, maternal healthcare services, and immunization initiatives.
• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): The policy recognizes the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases and outlines strategies for prevention, early detection, and management of NCDs.
• Mental Health: The policy acknowledges the importance of mental health and includes provisions for promoting mental well-being, providing mental healthcare services, and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.
• Quality Assurance: The policy emphasizes quality assurance mechanisms, including accreditation of healthcare facilities, standardization of treatment protocols, and monitoring of healthcare outcomes to ensure quality healthcare delivery.
• Governance: Strengthening governance in the health sector was another key aspect, with the policy aiming to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the delivery of healthcare services.

These efforts and initiatives outlined in the Uttar Pradesh Health Policy 2018 demonstrate the state government’s commitment to improving the medical and healthcare sphere in Uttar Pradesh and addressing the healthcare needs of its population.

Under the Uttar Pradesh Health Policy 2018, several specific programs were launched to address various healthcare challenges and improve the health infrastructure in the state. Here are some of the key programs:

• Operationalization of Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs): These centers aim to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services, including free essential drugs and diagnostics.
• Universal Screening and Management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): This program focuses on the early detection and management of NCDs to reduce their burden.
• Provision of Nutritional Support to TB Patients: As part of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP), this initiative provides nutritional support to improve the treatment outcomes for TB patients.
• Quality Improvement Initiatives: Programs like Kayakalpand LaQshya focus on improving the quality of care around childbirth and patient-centric care, as well as ensuring the functionality of 11 specialties in district hospitals.
• Strengthening of District Hospitals: This includes developing district hospitals as training hubs for doctors (DNB and CPS courses) and paramedical staff.
• Enhanced Immunization Coverage: Efforts to improve immunization coverage to protect against vaccine-preventable diseases.

These programs were designed to align with the National Health Mission priorities and the National Health Policy 2017, with a focus on building a robust, resilient, and responsive health system in Uttar Pradesh.