GUWAHATI, Jan. 10: Assam health and family welfare minister Ashok Singhal has expressed concern over the shortage of doctors and paramedical staff in seven districts of Upper Assam and directed the National Health Mission (NHM) to take immediate action to address the issue.
Singhal’s directive came during a comprehensive review of the health departments in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur and Majuli districts on Thursday, followed by a similar exercise in Tinsukia, Charaideo and Sivasagar districts on Friday.
Taking stock of the work and performance of the health departments in the reviewed districts over the past two days, Singhal took serious note of the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes in the districts.
The meetings focused on improving maternal and neonatal mortality rates, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram and screening for non-communicable diseases among people over 30.
The minister emphasised 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 percent 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 health 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 emphasised the importance of organising the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, conducting health check-ups for school children across 30-32 indicators, and accelerating the registration of citizens for Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA).
He also advocated for the adoption of healthy lifestyles and urged doctors to motivate people to incorporate wellness practices into their daily lives.
The minister 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.