The Union cabinet today approved rationalisation of autonomous bodies under Department of Health that will involve inter-ministerial consultations and review of existing bye laws of these bodies.
The time frame for implementation is one year.
The cabinet also approved the proposal for closure of two autonomous bodies --- Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) and Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh (JSK).
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RAN was set up as a registered society to provide financial medical assistance to poor patients receiving treatment in designated central government hospitals. An advance is placed with the medical superintendents of such hospitals who then provide assistance on a case-to-case basis.
"Since the department of health provides funds to the hospitals, the grants can be given from the department to the hospital directly. RAN functions can, therefore, be vested in DoHFW," an official statement stated.
"Managing Committee of RAN Society will meet to dissolve the Autonomous Body (AB) as per provisions of Societies Registration Act, 1860 (SRA). In addition to this, Health Minister's cancer patient fund (HMCPF) shall also be transferred to the Department. The timeline required for this is one year," the statement stated.
JSK was set up with a corpus grant of Rs 100 crores in 2003 to raise awareness for population stabilisation strategies.
JSK organises various activities with target populations as a part of its mandate. There has been no continuous funding to JSK from the Ministry. Population stabilisation strategies require private and corporate funding, which can be accessed through JSK.
"Although, JSK will continue to play a significant role in population stabilisation strategies, its existence as an autonomous body is not necessary. Hence, JSK as an autonomous body can be closed as it can be administered by the department as a fund," the statement said.
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