Covid19 pandemic results in shifting focus
Emphasis of Maharashtra State Skill Development Programme has shifted to health sector, following heavy stress on health machinery during the Covid 19 pandemic lasting for over one full year.
In all 55 courses in health service sector have been introduced for short term training. Besides Government hospitals, private hospitals are being involved in building a strong manpower for health services. Maharashtra Government through a Special GR (Government Resolution) has appealed to train eligible youths in para-medical services. An appeal to hospitals was made in Nagpur to participate in the programme, impart training and also absorb the trained workers in their hospitals or educational institutions in the field of medicine.
Prabhakar Harde, Assistant Commissioner (Skill Development) for Nagpur and Bhandara stated that information on requirement of para-medical staff was sought from government’s hospitals – primary to tertiary level health care providers in urban and rural areas.
Probably for the first time so much attention is being paid to short term training courses in para-medics. So far majority of the institutes imparting training under Skill Development Programme, preferred training in computer operations, communication skills, English speaking, accountancy, electrician, plumber and other traditional trades. For the first time so much emphasis is being laid on health sciences, as dearth of service providers was strongly felt during the Covid pandemic.
Following launch of Pramod Mahajan Kaushalya Va Udyojakta Vikas Abhiyan of Government of India, various states started skill development programmes on the same line.
In Nagpur organisations of doctors including IMA, association of management of private hospitals have also been invited for participation in the programme.
Harde informed that following an appeal to government and private hospitals, a large number of private hospitals have shown interest. He is flooded with enquiries on the programme.
Under this Skilld Development programme, the eligible candidate will be imparted training in the hospitals, on giving injections, installing ventilators, oxygen mask, supporting the nursing staff, post-operative care, room services etc. They will also receive stipend of Rs 5,000 per month during the training period. On completion of training a certificate will be issued to them. The training providers will also provide them jobs in their hospitals.
Dr Anoop Marar, Director of Orange City Hospital and Research Institute and one of the associates in the programme, appreciated the efforts on the part of the government and local authorities. The youth below 45 years of age have a great opportunity to opt for the training and get job within a short period. The stipend will help the trainees in bearing their daily expenditure. The certificate will also help them in securing jobs at hospital facilities anywhere. The recognition in the form of the certificate is being given for the first time.
This is an attempt to keep ready a fleet of health providers, in view of the third wave of Covid 19 virus, which created havoc in Maharashtra during the last over one year.
Harde is incharge of Nagpur district and holds additional charge of Bhandara district.
