NEW DELHI, Jan 9:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today pushed for substantial improvement in the efficiency of schemes and mechanisms in the health sector as he expressed concern over the high rate of child and maternal mortality besides prevalence of diseases like encephalitis.
Chairing a meeting on healthcare here, he instructed Health Ministry to establish mechanisms to ensure accountability among doctors and health officials in public sector.
He also called for institutionalising a comprehensive database, containing individual health records, which could be eventually linked to the Aadhar system.
Modi said that in order to achieve the desired goal of health for all, there is a need to substantially improve the efficiency of existing mechanisms and schemes, a PMO statement said. Giving an example of insurance, he suggested establishing synergy in all schemes for the health sector being run by the central and state governments.
Reviewing progress of key health indicators such as under-5 mortality rate and Maternal Mortality Ratio, he asked for specific identification of worst-performing districts, and even within them, particular blocks which required maximum attention.
He said these areas should be targeted in a two-pronged approach – prioritised health intervention and appropriate social interventions to dispel local beliefs and customs that may be hindering progress.
Animation films should be shown to women in health centres immediately post-delivery, to promote good health and nutrition habits, Modi suggested. He said simple technology interventions such as SMS should be used to reach ASHA workers across the country on a real- time basis.
Expressing concern over the prevalence of diseases like encephalitis, especially among children, Modi asked officials to prepare a roadmap to tackle such diseases, just like natural disasters and other national calamities are tackled. The Prime Minister referred to an earlier announcement made by him, of India’s promise of help to ensure that the entire SAARC region becomes polio-free. He asked the Health Ministry to prepare a proper follow-up action plan in this regard.
At the meeting, attended by Health Minister J P Nadda and senior officials of the Health Ministry and PMO, Modi also emphasised that the effects of ‘Swachhta Abhiyan’ (cleanliness drive) should become visible in hospitals and public health facilities across the country.
Officials from the Health Ministry said that Swachhta Abhiyan would contribute greatly to achieving health goals. Modi asked for a comprehensive audit of all medical equipment in public health facilities.
Describing Yoga as one of the most-effective preventive health mechanisms, he asked the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to draw up plans for International Yoga Day to be celebrated on June 21. (PTI)
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