With the increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, along with the pre-existing challenges posed by communicable diseases, there is a need for a strong secondary care system. To enable the health systems for responding to the changing healthcare needs, it is essential to have specialists in place. Functional secondary care facilities will also help the state significantly reduce out of-pocket expenditure on healthcare.

Acknowledging the good work also plays a huge role in ensuring that field personnel stay motivated and committed to the cause. The specialists who have done exceptional work or those who have conducted difficult cases must be acknowledged, and their contributions must be appreciated timely. Not all rewards need to be monetary in nature; recognition by the District Magistrate or the Principal Secretary of Health may act as a key enabler towards improving the retention of specialists.

While the demand is well established, the supply of specialists in the state needs to be mapped in detail. For specialties that have fewer seats within the state, the state must prioritize the initiation of 3-year DNB and 2-year NBE courses at the District Hospitals and Medical Colleges to boost the production of specialists within the state. To further close the gap between supply and demand, bridge courses for MBBS, such as LSAS, BEmONC, and CEmONC, should be offered. Candidates completing these courses must be incentivized separately for conducting/supporting specialist procedures to maintain their motivation.