Tighten belts to ensure efficacy or face the consequences: CM

Health services delivery

 

ITANAGAR | Jul 07 | Chief Minister Pema Khandu today advocated to develop a strong monitoring mechanism and make officials accountable to ensure effective health service delivery at ground level throughout Arunachal Pradesh.

Chairing the State Health Mission (SHM) meeting for the first time here today, Khandu said that state’s health scenario has improved over the years but still there was lot of scopes to improve. Emphasizing on rational posting and transfer of health professionals on need basis as per criteria, he, called for a strong monitoring system and change of work culture for successful delivery of health services.

Despite there being in place monitoring mechanism at all levels, the service delivery at the grass root was not satisfactory, he said while resenting at the deteriorating work culture among GoAP officials, which has become the major stumbling block in health delivery system. He urged health department and the SHM officials to tighten up their belts or face the consequences.

He called for convergence of schemes under the NHM with welfare schemes of other departments, like PHE&WS and WCD and directed NHM officials to coordinate with officials of those departments to work together to ensure successful implementation of health schemes, especially in rural areas.

“NHM schemes can be successfully implemented in villages with proper coordination between agencies like ASHA and anganwadi,” he suggested.

On being informed that release of funds has been an issue in implementing projects and schemes, he said that finance department has been streamlined to  revamp its working style to avoid delay.

For impartial transfer and posting and promotions of officials, Khandu advised the department to properly study individual cases so that none is denied or deprived of their rights as per norms. Seniority has to be always taken into consideration to keep up their morale, he said.

“The GoAP is doing and will always do everything for its employees. Now it is for the employees to reciprocate the good gestures and give their best in delivering services to the people,” Khandu added.

DyCM Chowna Mein, who holds and Finance portfolio, expressed surprise that there were so many schemes being sponsored by the Center under NHM, but not known to many. He advised the SHM to create mass awareness about these schemes at all levels, particularly among the legislators for them to educate their people.

Reiterating that the GoAP has adopted zero tolerance policy for health sector, he said this would be possible only through a strong political will. Thus, he suggested a meeting within state’s elected members for arriving at a consensus on it.

Informing that the GoAP reflected its priority to  health sector in 2017-18 budget, which would continue, he sought comprehensive proposal in consultation with finance commissioner for inclusion in  next budget.

PHE&WS Minister Bamang Felix suggested proper coordination between health department and PHE&WS as most common ailments were water borne. He sought specific to district or division-specific data on water borne diseases for  his department could take up potable water supply projects for treatment and distribution.

“The GoAP has taken a stand to provide treated potable water to state’s every household e by 2021 and the health department has to contribute for its success,” he said.

Felix, who holds IPR and Printing portfolio, called for focusing on the information, education and communication (IEC) aspects of health mission to be publicised by the IPR.

PR and RD Minister Alo Libang also advocated crating mass awareness on numerous NHM schemes, especially among the MLAs. He suggested taking local MLA into confidence while implementing the schemes at the grass root levels as they would best know the local issues and extend  logistical support for success.

Health Parliamentary Secretary Phurpa Tsering suggested roping in DCs and entrusting them with responsibility of implementing health schemes successfully in their respective districts. He urged health commissioners to include the DCs in next SHM meeting .

Earlier, NHM mission director highlighted  various activities through power point presentation and  achievements made so far and future financial requirements.

UD & Town Planning Minister Nabam Rebia, chief secretary (in charge), finance commissioner, health commissioner, PHED and WCD secretaries, of special invitee GoI regional director Dr P J Gogoi, health services director, among others, attended the meeting. (PRO)

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