Number of docs migrating from India dips

Government's efforts to stem brain drain in the country has yielded results with 1,264 doctors migrating to other countries in 2010 against 1,386 in 2009.

"In 2010, 1,264 doctors migrated to other countries, while the figure was 1,386 and 1,002 for the year 2009 and 2008 respectively," Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

To check brain drain of doctors in respect to those working in government sector, pay and allowances have been enhanced considerably after implementation of sixth Central Pay Commission and the age of superannuation of faculty of several medical institutions have been enhanced to 65 years, Azad said.

"Assured promotion scheme for faculty of Central Government Institutions like AIIMS, PGI, JIPMER, NIMHANS has been revised similarly along with allowances like non-practice, conveyance, learning resources have been enhanced considerably," the Minister said.

To a question on prevention of life style related diseases, Azad said, "The program covers 100 selected districts in 21 states during 2010-12."

"The government of India has approved National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardio-vascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) at an estimated outlay of Rs 1230.90 crore in July 2010 for the remaining period of 11th Five Year Plan," Azad said.

The program focuses on health promotion, capacity building including human resource development, early diagnosis and management of these diseases and integration with the primary health care system, he told the House.