Govt approves course on Bachelor of Science in Community Health

The Government of India has approved introduction of a course namely, Bachelor of Science in Community Health. The duration of the course will be three years and is likely to commence from next academic session.

The main objective of the proposed course is to create mid-level health professionals who would possess the necessary public health and ambulatory care competencies to serve the rural population and will primarily be deployed at sub centres.

As per the Health Ministry, the curriculum of the course has been prepared after taking into consideration the views of various stakeholders.

The government has been planning to launch the course for past several years; however, the proposal was facing opposition from doctors on the ground that it will create two tiers of medical professionals.

The proposal for B. Sc. In Community Health has been prepared in consultation with Medical Council of India (MCI). The degree for the course will be awarded by the respective State Universities and it will be accredited by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to ensure uniformity in the content and delivery of the course.

The course will be introduced only in those states which are willing to adopt it.

The states may set up Rural Health Care Schools to impart the B.Sc. course. Central Government will provide assistance for the establishment of these centres to states under their State Programme Implementation Plans (SPIPs) under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

The Central Government, till now, has received willingness from the States of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Assam.