GUWAHATI, Jan. 10: Assam Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal has raised concerns about the shortage of doctors and paramedical staff in seven districts of Upper Assam. He instructed the National Health Mission (NHM) to take immediate measures to address the issue.
During a review of the health departments in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, and Majuli on Thursday, followed by Tinsukia, Charaideo, and Sivasagar on Friday, the minister assessed the districts’ health performance and expressed alarm over the rising cases of non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
Key focus areas of the review included improving maternal and neonatal mortality rates, implementing the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), and enhancing screening for non-communicable diseases among individuals aged 30 and above.
Minister Singhal emphasized the importance of strengthening healthcare infrastructure, ensuring routine vaccinations based on registration data, and raising awareness about healthy living. He directed officials to achieve 100% routine vaccination coverage for mothers and newborns and monitor the Wage Compensation Scheme for pregnant women in tea estates, particularly addressing gaps in Tinsukia district.
Highlighting the role of ASHA workers, the minister stressed the need for hygiene awareness campaigns and announced plans for statewide initiatives promoting healthy living and yoga practices.
Additionally, Singhal urged doctors to incorporate preventive health measures into their recommendations, encouraging activities like yoga, walking, and other physical exercises. He also advocated for health check-ups for schoolchildren under the RBSK program and accelerating registrations for Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA).
The directives aim to improve healthcare services and promote preventive measures across the affected districts.
