Minister Ashok Singhal reviews Health Departments across seven districts of Upper Assam

Include Wellness Activities Alongside Medications in Prescriptions: Singhal Urges Doctors

Focus on Boosting Maternal and Child Health, Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases and Expanding Healthcare Access

Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal conducted comprehensive reviews of the health departments in several districts of Upper Assam over two days. On January 9, he reviewed the work and performance of the health departments in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, and Majuli districts at a meeting held at the Dhemaji District Commissioner’s Office. Today, he conducted a similar review for Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Charaideo and Sibsagar districts at the Dibrugarh District Commissioner’s Office.

The meetings focused on improving maternal and neonatal mortality rates, the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram and screening for non-communicable diseases among people over 30. Minister Singhal emphasized the need to enhance healthcare infrastructure, ensure routine vaccinations in line with registration data and conduct awareness campaigns on healthy lifestyles. He directed officials to ensure 100% routine vaccination for mothers and newborns and stressed the importance of monitoring the Wage Compensation Scheme for pregnant women in tea estates, particularly addressing the exclusion of beneficiaries in Tinsukia.

The Minister also highlighted the need to engage ASHA workers to raise awareness about hygiene and announced plans to launch state-wide campaigns on healthy living and yoga practices. He emphasized the importance of organizing the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, conducting health check-ups for schoolchildren across 30-32 indicators, and accelerating the registration of citizens for Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA).

Expressing concern over the shortage of doctors and paramedical staff in the reviewed districts, he directed the National Health Mission (NHM) to take immediate action to fill these gaps. He expressed deep concern over the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. He advocated for the adoption of healthy lifestyles and urged doctors to motivate people to incorporate wellness practices into their daily lives. He also called on doctors to prescribe activities like yoga, walking, and other physical exercises as part of their medical recommendations to encourage preventive health measures.

The review meetings were attended by district commissioners, MLAs, health officials, and NHM representatives. Minister Singhal commended the ongoing efforts and urged all stakeholders to continue working diligently to ensure accessible, affordable and quality healthcare for all citizens of Assam. This series of reviews reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the state’s healthcare systems and improving the well-being of its people.