Guwahati, 2 June (HS): Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal on Monday conducted a comprehensive review of the functioning of the department at the National Health Mission office in Guwahati. Senior officials including Commissioner and Secretary P Ashok Babu and Barnali Sharma, Commissioner-Secretary of Medical Education and Research Dr. Siddharth Singh, Director of Health Services Dr. Umesh Fangso, Director of Family Welfare Kamaljit Talukdar and Executive Director of NHM Assam Dr. Manoj Chaudhary were present in the meeting.
The implementation of schemes, development of infrastructure and the status of health services especially in flood-affected areas were reviewed in the meeting. Minister Singhal directed to ensure regular health check-ups and timely supply of essential medicines in relief camps. He asked doctors, nurses and health workers to remain alert to deal with waterborne and other infectious diseases during and after the floods.
Efforts to control malaria in the Indo-Bhutan border areas of Kokrajhar and Chirang districts were also reviewed.
The minister identified several priority areas in the meeting and directed immediate action. He asked to set up a 'Fast Referral Unit (FRU)' in every assembly constituency of the state to ensure maternal, child and emergency health services. Also, directed the AYUSH Director to organize regular yoga training in Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and encourage community participation under the Fit India Movement.
Minister Singhal stressed on complete digitization of departmental administrative and information systems and asked to ensure the availability of essential medicines in all government hospitals in the state. Along with this, instructions were also given to organize regular training and personality development programs for doctors, nurses, Asha workers and other health workers.
The current status of blood banks in the state, the progress of Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Assam-Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana were reviewed in the meeting. Apart from this, necessary vigilance was also discussed in view of the recent increase in Covid-19 infection.
Minister Singhal said that in times of crisis, especially disasters like floods, it is necessary to adopt a people-centric and proactive approach in health service delivery.--------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
