By IANS,
New Delhi: India faces a shortage of 54,037 specialists and paramedical staff in health centres, the Rajya Sabha was told Tuesday.
Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad told the Rajya Sabha that only 4,279 specialists at community health centres were available against the required 17,104, while there was a shortage of 11,332 health assistants, both male and female.
Out of a total 27,734 laboratory technicians needed at primary health centres and community health centres, the country has only 12,886, Azad said. He added that 8,454 nurses were also required.
Also, of the total 27,734 pharmacists required at primary health centres and community health centres, the country has only 20,956.
However, the availability of doctors at primary health centres was in surplus — 24,375 against the requirement of 23,458, Azad said.
On the steps being taken by the government to increase the number of doctors and paramedical staff, he said that human resource engagement is a major thrust area under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and is a priority being pursued with the states and union territories.