Modi for more accountability for doctors

New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday instructed the health ministry to set up mechanisms for ensuring more accountability for doctors and health officials in the public sector.

"In order to achieve the desired goal of health for all, there is need to substantially improve the efficiency of existing mechanisms and schemes," the prime minister said while chairing a meeting on healthcare.

Giving the example of insurance, he called for establishing synergy in all schemes for the health sector being run by the central and state governments, a statement said here.

Reviewing the progress of key health indicators such as under-five mortality rate and Maternal Mortality Ratio, Modi asked for specific identification of worst-performing districts, and even within them, particular blocks which required maximum attention.

He said these areas should be targeted in a two-pronged approach-prioritised health intervention and appropriate social interventions to dispel local beliefs and customs that may be hindering progress.