Expert Committee rejects Mamata Banerjee's proposal for three-year diploma doctors

In a significant development, an expert committee in West Bengal has dismissed the proposal to designate three-year diploma holders as "Diploma Doctors."

The committee, formed under the guidance of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, concluded that it would be inappropriate to grant the title of doctor based on three years of training. Such individuals would not be authorized to dispense medications or issue birth and death certificates.

The expert committee emphasized the need to establish health system assistants as intermediaries between disease control and treatment at the grassroots level. These individuals, referred to as "health service providers," would play a crucial role in delivering maximum medical services in rural areas.

The committee, consisting of 15 members, held its first meeting on Monday to discuss the proposal put forth by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. During the meeting, all committee members unanimously agreed that it would not be appropriate to use the term "Diploma Doctor" in any capacity or create a position equivalent to that of a doctor. The health department's notification for the formation of the committee did not mention the term 'diploma doctor.' Instead, it referred to individuals as 'Healthcare Professionals' or 'Healthcare Professionals.'

The committee acknowledged the presence of experienced nurses, AYUSH doctors, and rural health assistants in the state who can provide healthcare services in rural areas. The members discussed the possibility of providing them with additional training or creating new positions to enhance their capabilities.

The specific responsibilities and training requirements for health system assistants, should the positions be introduced, are yet to be determined. The committee is scheduled to reconvene in the coming days and must submit its comprehensive report within a month after examining all relevant aspects.

Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam stated that the committee, led by Dr. Sukumar Mukhopadhyay, had engaged in detailed discussions during the meeting. Various issues were deliberated, and the committee members have been requested to submit written proposals for further consideration in the next meeting.

Members of the expert committee expressed satisfaction with the productive meeting. Dr. Sukumar Mukhopadhyay clarified that no final decision had been made regarding the three-year course but highlighted the need for graduate doctors to undertake additional responsibilities.