Fund crunch puts infants at risk

An awareness programme aimed at helping HIV pregnant women to save their babies from contracting the infection is set to die a sudden death. The programme, which had been running for decades, will be discontinued from today as National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has refused to grant funds for it to Maharashtra. Every other state in the country has, however, been granted its share of the fund.
Reshma Khan (name changed), the 27-year-old resident of Nerul gave birth to a child two months ago at JJ Hospital. But she can’t breastfeed her baby as the HIV virus in her blood might get transferred to the infant who has born without the infection.

Government brings in biometric system for doctors, officers

Taking a stern step to discourage the absence of government doctors and medical officers from their work place, the state health ministry has decided to make biometric attendance compulsory. Their attendance will be linked with their Aadhaar card and their salary. So, if they fail to log in, they would suffer a cut in their salaries. Disciplinary action can also be taken against such doctors or officers.
This new initiative will be implemented at all primary health care centres, rural sub district hospitals, and district hospitals, along with State Employment Insurance Scheme, National Rural Health Mission, Maharashtra AIDS Control Society and State Transfusion Council. The officer in-charge shall be responsible to ensure that all employees are biometrically registered, the government resolution stated.