Cabinet approves rationalization of Autonomous Bodies under Department of Health & Family Welfare

• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for closure of Autonomous Bodies, namely, Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) and Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh (JSK) and the functions are proposed to be vested in Department of Health & Family Welfare (DoHFW).
• The rationalization of Autonomous Bodies under Department of Health & Family Welfare will involve inter-ministerial consultations and review of existing bye laws of these bodies. The time frame for implementation is one year,

About Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi

• Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) was set up as a registered society to provide financial medical assistance to poor patients receiving treatment in designated central government hospitals.
• An advance is placed with the Medical Superintendents of such hospitals who then provide assistance on a case to case basis.
• Since the DoHFW provides funds to the hospitals, the grants can be given from the Department to the hospital directly. RAN functions can, therefore, be vested in DoHFW.
• Managing Committee of RAN Society will meet to dissolve the Autonomous Body (AB) as per provisions of Societies Registration Act, 1860 (SRA).
• In addition to this, Health Minister's Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) shall also be transferred to the Department. The timeline required for this is one year.

About Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh

• Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh (JSK) was set up with a corpus grant of Rs.100 crores in the year 2003 to raise awareness for population stabilization strategies.
• JSK organizes various activities with target populations as a part of its mandate. There has been no continuous funding to JSK from the Ministry.
• Population stabilization strategies require private and corporate funding, which can be accessed through JSK.
• Although, JSK will continue to play a significant role in population stabilization strategies, its existence as an Autonomous Body is not necessary.
• Hence, JSK as an Autonomous Body can be closed as it can be administered by the Department as a fund.

Analysis

• A policy is only as good as its implementation. These will decrease the problem of out of pocket expenditure. In India, there are so many policies for health care, problem is there poor implementation.
• Hence, in this aspect, the main concern of the Government is that ABs are required to be reviewed and rationalised with a view to improve their outcomes, effectiveness and efficiency, utilisation of financial and human resources, synergy, governance and relevance in current policy and programme context, with improved monitoring and oversight. The Committee had recommended closure of RAN and JSK and their functions to be vested in the Ministry.

By: Vishal