Govt to start bridge programme for Ayurveda doctors

The government will soon start ‘Bridge Programmes on Certificate in Community Health’ for ayurvedic practitioners and nurses in community health to equip them to serve at sub centres.

According to guidelines under the National Health Mission, these certificate programmes would be rolled out by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). 

These trained staff would function as Mid Level Health Care Providers and called ‘Community Health Officers (CHOs)’ and posted at health sub centres which could be developed as ‘Health and Wellness Centres’.

According to a note by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, qualified ayurveda doctors and BSc or GNM qualified nurses could be trained in public health and primary care.

The curriculum is based on BSc (CH) Curriculum. Through the course, they would be trained to deliver comprehensive primary care services and implement public health programmes.

Theory classes and hands-on practicum training will be organised at Programme Study Centres and Health Centres (District Hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, Sub Centres) identified and accredited by IGNOU. In addition to this, there would be community visits by students for field-based assignments and research projects.