The Government has decided to introduce a short term course in medicine. Stating this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad said, it will overcome the scarcity of doctors and para-medical staff in the villages. The aim of the proposed short term course in modern system of medicine is to generate a cadre of healthcare providers who will be motivated to live in and provide comprehensive primary healthcare in the rural areas at the sub-center level, Mr. Azad said. The course will focus on essential public health skills to ensure competence in preventive, promotive and rehabilitative services required for rural population, he added.