Chief Secretary Directs Review of Health Programs Under NHM, Aims to Improve Health Indices and Achieve Ayushman Rajasthan Goals

Jaipur, 21 September: The Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, Smt. Gayatri Rathore, emphasized the importance of improving health indices through the effective implementation of programs under the National Health Mission (NHM). She stated that Rajasthan should aim to become a model state by excelling in various health parameters.

Smt. Rathore reviewed the NHM programs in a meeting held at Swasthya Bhavan on Saturday. She stressed that the benefits of health programs should reach every village and community, and directed officials to ensure the effective implementation of health initiatives at all levels. This, she said, would help realize the vision of “Ayushman Rajasthan.”

Avoid Unnecessary Referrals, Strengthen Newborn Care

While reviewing Maternal and Child Health programs, Smt. Rathore noted that Rajasthan performs better than the national average in areas such as institutional deliveries, immunization, and maternal and child mortality. However, she highlighted the need to further improve these metrics in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. She instructed that unnecessary referrals to higher-level institutions should be avoided and that Community Health Centers (CHCs) and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) should provide adequate services. Additionally, she directed the strengthening of newborn care facilities and ensuring proper staffing and functionality of First Referral Units (FRUs).

Increase Anemia Screening, Focus on Healthier Future Generations

Smt. Rathore addressed the serious issues of anemia and malnutrition among children and adolescents. She called for enhanced screening efforts, especially during Shakti Diwas, to identify anemic children and take preventive measures. She also urged the improvement of counseling services at Ujala Clinics under the National Child Health Program and the National Adolescent Health Program, as well as increasing awareness activities in schools.

Achieve Ayushman Arogya Mandir Targets

Smt. Rathore emphasized the importance of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in providing easy access to health services in rural areas. She directed officials to convert all designated medical institutions into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and ensure they function as per the guidelines of the Government of India. She also encouraged the region to certify more institutions under the National Quality Assurance and Rejuvenation Programs.

Promote Technological Innovations and Create Aura ID for All

The Principal Secretary urged for an increase in technological innovations within health programs. She emphasized the need for the swift implementation of the Integrated Health Management System 2.0 and achieving IT-related targets under the Rajasthan Digital Health Mission. She also directed officials to expedite the creation of Abha IDs for all residents.

Complete Construction Projects on Time

Smt. Rathore stressed the importance of completing medical institution construction projects within set timelines, with a focus on quality. She also called for speeding up the process of land allotment for various institutions. Furthermore, she highlighted the need for effective implementation of the National Tuberculosis Eradication Program to make the region TB-free.

Accelerate Recruitment Process

The Principal Secretary instructed officials to accelerate the recruitment process for ANM, GNM, and CHO positions under the NHM. She reviewed the financial approvals for the mission and emphasized the need for timely and quality utilization of allocated funds to ensure no delays in program implementation.

Mission Director NHM, Smt. Bharti Dixit, provided an update on the progress of various health programs and expressed confidence in achieving the mission’s goals with determination.

The meeting was attended by Director RCH Dr. Suneet Singh Ranawat, Director Finance Mr. Arvind Dewan, Project Director NHM Smt. Tulika Saini, PD PCPNDT Mr. Mahipal Singh, SPM Dr. Lokesh Chaturvedi, and other in-charge officers of health programs.