Chennai, Nov 12 Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday urged Health Ministers of southern States to set up a Public Health Cadre (PHC) having necessary capacity to effectively deal with all infectious diseases.

Address a meeting convened in Chennai to review the progress in implementation of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) programmes in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and the Union territories of Puducherry, Andaman Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

"Investments being made in Health Sector are focused in backward areas or among people who have no access to health care due to difficult geographical terrain or social prejudice such as SC, ST, OBC and minorities. So, it is necessary to ensure more equitable distribution of resources, so that poor and marginalized people are provided greater attention in the matter of accessing health services," Azad said.

The minister also urged the State Governments to keep in mind this while taking up the up-gradation and strengthening of health infrastructure, so that focus is given where it is most needed.

Referring to increased demand for specialists' services, Azad called up on the State Health Ministers to consider different options like posting of Post Graduate students to work in district hospitals, sub-district hospitals and community health centres for a period of six months.

He also emphasized on the need for inter-sectoral convergence between Heath sector and schemes such as safe drinking water, sanitation, environment, education and institutions like local self-Government.

Azad added that the Centre is committed to provide affordable and quality health care to the entire population, specially the poor and deprived. (ANI)