Providing free-diagnostic test for all sounds unrealistic keeping the dismal performance of health sector in India. But if the Union Government thinking becomes a reality all those who visit public health facilities would be able to get several blood tests, X-rays and even advanced CT Scans free by roping in private players. Costs of medicines and diagnostic tests constitute a major portion of health expenditure and every year a large segment of the population remains deprived of the facilities in the face of high cost involved in them. The proposed ‘national strategy’ for providing essential diagnostic facilities free for all is meant for anyone from any income group visiting the public health facilities from village Govt dispensary to district hospitals. Most of the major players in Lab testing business are in the private sector and they have welcomed the move of Union Health Ministry to include them as partners of growth. The initiative is expected to promote diagnostic industry along with reducing people’s health expenditure. But with a dismal health scenario prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir and a flourishing private players in Lab testing business it won’t be an exaggeration of the facts that such schemes will not see the light of the day and there is every possibility of them getting confined to official files only. Most of the central health schemes introduced in the State have failed to meet their stipulated target and funds getting used for non-productive purposes. Visit any district health centre in rural areas they tell chapters of neglect and nepotism from Govt’s side. Doctors after getting their priced postings remain absent from their duty stations. Even the evening clinic started in Government Medical College in Jammu hardly has been able to invoke the response it needed. With such lopsided policies from government side the health care scenario in Jammu and Kashmir looks very dismal and if a policy as mooted by the Union Government is introduced here it will benefit private players more than the actual beneficiaries.
