NEW DELHI, Nov 1:
Cautioning State Governments against under-utilisation of funds on health projects, the Centre today asked them to closely monitor the progress in use of funds in these programmes for ensuring effective and expeditious implementation.
Addressing a two-day meeting of State Health Ministers and senior health officials here, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad flagged several areas of concern which need action by the Government.
“I would strongly urge all State Health Ministers and State Secretaries to closely monitor the financial progress and utilise the funds effectively and expeditiously,” he said.
Expressing concern over issues that need attention, he highlighted the slow pace in creating health infrastructure and irrational deployment of doctors, which are affecting the functioning of various health units.
Azad also pointed to the large number of vacancies in high focus districts, which have relatively poor health indicators.
“Facilities need to be strengthened for Janani Suraksha Yojana. It is important that the sanctioned works are executed in a time-bound manner and availability of trained staff is ensured,” he said.
He also asked the States to integrate all modes of patient transport into a proper network, ensuring that the services reach intended beneficiaries.
For bringing mortality rates under control, he said “we must work very hard to achieve the goal of infant mortality below 30. We need to strengthen the capacity of both laboratory testing and treatment facility for MDR TB in each state.”
Azad mentioned the need to control Japanese Encephalitis and dengue and said a multi-sectoral intervention programme is needed to include Panchayati Raj Institutions and local bodies for coordinated action.
For initiatives during the 12th Plan, Azad said district hospitals must become strong hubs for secondary care and it is being planned to strengthen these with advance secondary and multi-speciality healthcare.
“We propose to introduce universal screening for all children for disease, disability and deficiency which should be followed up by free treatment where required,” he said.
This programme aims to cover approximately 14 crore children throughout the country. (PTI)
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