Dispur: Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal visited the office of the National Health Mission (NHM) for the first time since assuming office, conducting a thorough review of the organisation’s performance and healthcare programmes.
The review focused on strengthening healthcare delivery, improving key NHM initiatives, and addressing critical public health issues in the state.
The minister assessed various health programmes, including maternal and child health, adolescent health initiatives such as RBSK and RKSK, family planning, nutrition, immunization, and non-communicable disease and mental health programmes.
A key area of discussion was the integration of child and adolescent health monitoring under a unified framework for the 0-19 age group.
Singhal stressed that this should be a top priority for the Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) Department, aiming for a more holistic approach to healthcare for young populations.
To improve transparency and accountability, Minister Singhal directed the H&FW Department to prepare an annual report by April.
This comprehensive document will outline key data, programs, and achievements, serving as a benchmark for strategic planning and progress assessment.
Minister Singhal also highlighted the importance of increasing public awareness of NHM’s work.
He instructed NHM to develop a content calendar and media strategy to enhance visibility and outreach across the state.
A significant concern raised during the meeting was the arsenic and fluoride contamination affecting several districts in Assam.
Singhal emphasised the need for a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach to address this public health issue.
He urged the H&FW Department to work closely with other departments like Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Jal Jeevan Mission to create a comprehensive strategy for mitigating the contamination.
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The review meeting was attended by senior officials, including Dr. P. Ashok Babu, Commissioner & Secretary of the H&FW Department, Dr. Laxmanan S, Mission Director of NHM, and other key members of the organisation.
Minister Singhal reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring accessible, high-quality healthcare for all residents of Assam.
He emphasised that integrating child and adolescent health programs and tackling pressing challenges such as arsenic and fluoride contamination are essential to improving the health outcomes of the state.
The Health Minister’s visit and the directives issued are expected to drive significant improvements in Assam’s healthcare system, reinforcing the government’s dedication to addressing the state’s public health challenges.
