Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr Anbumani Ramadoss here today inaugurated the Indian Medical Association’s ambitious ‘‘Aao Gaon Chalen’’ project aimed at taking health facilities and health education to rural India.IMA, which has over 1.5 lakh qualified doctors as members and about 1,600 branches across the country, plans to adopt the villages most vulnerable to health problems. The Association will hold the regular health camps, but the focus will be on creating awareness and educating the rural population on the control of epidemics, maternal and geriatric care.Ramadoss, who also inaugurated the logo for the project, said, ‘‘The day I assumed office, I announced that improving rural health facilities will be my first priority. IMA’s initiative is a commendable step in that direction and our Government’s support is with them. In fact, we fully advocate a public-private partnership in such initiatives.’’The minister said the Prime Minister too has shown keen interest in the health sector. He also called for a pro-active approach towards the health sector on the part of the states.Dr Ketan Desai, chairman of the project, said welfare in ‘‘welfare state has come to mean the welfare of a privileged few. About 75 per cent of our population still live in villages without basic health facilities. Unfortunately, budgetary allocations for the health sector in the country have been one of the lowest in the world. We hope that will change now’’.The ‘‘Aao Gaon Chalen’’ trial project, which was held over six months in Mehsana district of Gujarat under Desai, has also been a success.Ramadoss also promised that his ministry will soon launch an indemnity insurance scheme for family welfare doctors and a package for doctors in 150 high-fertility districts.
