High-Level Review Meeting in New Delhi
New Delhi: Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, chaired a high-level review meeting with Health Ministers and senior officials of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to assess healthcare delivery and accelerate key national health programmes and mission-mode reforms.
Focus on Strengthening Public Health Systems
The meeting emphasized enhancing patient satisfaction, improving regulatory oversight, and advancing the national goal of eliminating tuberculosis (TB) as a public health concern. Shri Nadda underscored that robust drug regulation and continuous monitoring from manufacture to distribution are essential for quality and safety.
Free Drugs and Diagnostics Schemes
On the Free Drugs and Free Diagnostics initiatives, Shri Nadda directed both States to strengthen supply-chain systems and bridge monitoring gaps. He noted that the Ministry is collaborating with IIM Ahmedabad to enhance logistics, transparency, and accountability in procurement.
Importance of Diagnostics and Hospital Management
Shri Nadda stressed that quality diagnostics and timely testing are crucial across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare levels. He highlighted the need for professional management in hospital administration and regulatory compliance, including blood bank oversight and patient safety protocols.
Telemedicine and Technology Integration
Highlighting technology-driven solutions, the Union Health Minister encouraged the deeper integration of telemedicine platforms to expand access to quality healthcare in remote and underserved areas, ensuring uninterrupted specialist consultations.
Mission-Mode TB Elimination
Shri Nadda reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating TB, calling for district-specific interventions involving screening, diagnostics, treatment adherence, and nutritional support. He emphasized mission-mode monitoring at district and block levels.
People’s Participation and State Collaboration
The Minister proposed sensitization workshops for MLAs to actively engage with Block Medical Officers and Chief Medical Officers. Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Rajendra Shukla, and Chhattisgarh’s Health Minister, Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, assured close collaboration with the Union Ministry to strengthen healthcare implementation and outcomes.
Centre’s Support and Future Consultations
Shri Nadda reiterated Centre’s support through the National Health Mission, PPP models, medical education expansion, infrastructure funding, and technical training, including prioritizing leprosy management in Chhattisgarh. He stated that similar consultative meetings will be held with other States, reinforcing cooperative federalism in health sector reforms.
