Guwahati, 20 June (HS): Assam Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal on Saturday visited key offices under the state health department to review ongoing projects and assess measures aimed at strengthening and modernising healthcare services across the state.

During his visit to the Directorate of Health Services, Directorate of Health Services (Family Welfare), National Health Mission, Assam, and the Directorate of Medical Education, the minister held discussions with officials and staff regarding the progress of various development initiatives. He also reviewed efforts to improve service quality and ensure more effective and people-centric healthcare delivery. Singhal inspected the functioning of the Health Emergency Operation Centre and took stock of its preparedness.

Ahead of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) scheduled to be held on Sunday, the minister attended a review meeting at the control room of the Directorate of Medical Education with senior departmental officials and police authorities. He directed officials to implement stringent measures to ensure the examination is conducted in a transparent, secure and credible manner.

Following the review, Singhal also inspected the construction work of the upcoming Swasthya Bhawan being built near the Directorate of Medical Education.

Highlighting the government's healthcare vision, the minister said priority is being given to five key areas — promotion of healthy lifestyles and preventive healthcare, early disease detection, better treatment facilities at the local level, improvement in healthcare quality, and complete digitalisation of health services. He added that initiatives such as Health Clubs would further strengthen the healthcare system.

The minister also stated that the situation regarding Japanese Encephalitis remains under control and appealed to the public not to panic.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash