Government Promises Support to New Appointees
Ranchi: Jharkhand Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari handed over appointment letters to 91 Community Health Officers (CHOs) during a ceremony at the Public Health Institute Auditorium, Namkum. Addressing the new recruits, Dr. Ansari assured them of full government backing:
“While challenges may come their way, the government will stand firmly behind them. If we have given the job, we will also protect them,” he said, UNI reported.
Rapid Improvements in State Healthcare
Dr. Ansari underlined the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Jharkhand’s health system. He noted that several improvements pending for over two decades are now being implemented swiftly.
During his recent visit to Bokaro, he observed patient concerns and announced that MRI and CT scan machines will be compulsorily installed in all Sadar hospitals.
Major Upcoming Projects
The minister unveiled ambitious plans for expanding healthcare infrastructure, including:
- A 2,100-bedded super specialty kidney hospital, offering advanced treatment and kidney transplants.
- The completion of the long-awaited Medico City project.
- The establishment of six new medical colleges across the state.
He emphasized that the kidney hospital would end the need for patients to travel outside Jharkhand for specialized care.
State’s Performance Above National Average
Additional Chief Secretary of Health, Ajay Kumar Singh, highlighted Jharkhand’s achievements despite limited resources:
- Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): 25 (vs national average of 28)
- Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): 56 (vs national average of 97)
- Institutional Deliveries: 75% (vs national average of 88.6%)
“These achievements provide both encouragement and direction for further improvements,” Singh stated.
Senior Officials Present
The event was attended by senior officials, including National Health Mission Campaign Director Shashi Prakash Jha, Jharkhand Medical Corporation MD Abu Imran, and Principal Director of Health Services Dr. Siddharth Sanyal.
