RHN held its second Network Group Meeting on April 29, 2023. It was attended by: Saibal Jana, Ashish Satav, Nirali Patel, Pandurang Giri, Vidit Panchal, Prabir Chatterjee, Priti David, Nandakumar Menon with Pawan Kaipa moderating

  1. The members introduced themselves and briefly described their activities. Dr Nirali mentioned that there was a great need for dentists in her hospital – most of the equipment was lying unused after her father’s passing.
  2. There was a discussion on how to increase the number of hospitals on the RHN website. Members were urged to add / suggest ethical hospitals that could join the network
  3. This was followed by a brainstorming on ways to publicize the RHN website to medical students and post graduates.  Dr. Ashish mentioned that he was in contact with 5 or 6 medical colleges and could arrange for brochures to be posted there. Pawan will send a soft copy of the RHN brochure to him.
  4. Participants agreed that  the number of MBBS and PGs posted in tribal areas needed to be increased. They suggested that the State Government  be informed of the vacancies that exist in the PHCs and NGO hospitals.
  5. In  Maharashtra MBBS doctors were being  posted in the tribal hospitals and those who served for 3 years were given preference for  PG selection – 20% of seats being reserved for them
  6. The number of anesthetists posted in tribal hospitals is small. It was suggested that the Spinal Anesthesia training program which is being  conducted for Government MBBS doctors in Maharashtra and through CMC Vellore should be opened up for NGO MBBS doctors as well.
  7. Dr Ashish said the Govt through PIL Litigation allowed ASHA workers to give antibiotics in Maharashtra.
  8. Posting of postgraduate doctors in the taluka and district hospitals was also necessary. Dr Saibal felt that this should be taken up with the Central Government.
  9. Dr Nandakumar mentioned that the next Rural Sensitisation Program would  be held in Gudalur on May 12,13 and 14th, 2023. 
  10. Participants agreed that the Network Group meetings should be held monthly