Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, May 24 at Describing National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) a vital flagship programme for bringing improvement in healthcare facilities, the Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Sham Lal Sharma today said that due to implementation of this scheme in the state the health infrastructure besides installation of modern diagnostic equipments have been upgraded to a large extent in the hospitals.
Speaking at a one-day NRHM Sammelan, organized by the District Health Society, the Minister said that during past over three years, the health sector has witnessed massive increase in the OPD and IPD patients in the Government Health institutions because of considerable improvement in the health services.
Lauding the role of ASHAs for containing the mortality rate of mother and infant, the Minister said that ASHAs have done commendable work during the couple of years and they have proved their worth. He said Government has enhanced their incentives considerably, keeping in view their role in improving the overall health scenario in the rural areas and reaching out in the inaccessible areas. He said Government acknowledges their hard work and consider their incentives from time to time.
While referring to the delegation of powers to the PRIs for ensuring work culture and improving the health services in the rural areas, the Minister said that Panchs have been conferred with greater responsibility and Government has earmarked Rs. 10,000 for each Panchayat Halqa. He asked the panchayat functionaries to discharge their duties according to the mandate and help in providing quality services to the people in the rural areas.
On the occasion, the Minister distributed awards amongst the three ASHA workers for their efficient functioning and surpassing the targets. The award carries cash prize of Rs. 2000 and citation to each ASHA worker.
Responding to the demands of MLA Haveli and MLC Poonch, the Minister said that Trauma Hospital at Chandimarh will be taken up after acquiring the land for the purpose. He also apprised that the causality block of District Hospital will be completed in a time bound manner at a cost of Rs. 3 crore. He also assured that the Blood Bank and separate ward for infants will be made operational within one month. He also assured that the CT Scan machine will be installed shortly in the District Hospital. He also visited the District hospital and took stock of the medicare facilities being provide to the patients.
Mr. Sham also inspected the site for fruit mandi at Poonch which will be established at an estimated cost of Rs. 22 crore. He directed the executing agency to start the construction work immediately.
Earlier, he visited famous Gurudwara Nangali Sahib and paid obeisance there.
Vice Chairman Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board, Ch. Bashir Ahmed Naz, MLA Poonch, Aijaz Jan and MLC Jehangir Mir also addressed the gathering and projected demands of the area, which included upgradation of healthcare facilities and horticulture sector in this hilly district.
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