Azad for incentives to boost attendance in rural health centres

To meet the dearth of specialist, assistant surgeons and paramedical staff in the health institutions in remote and far-flung areas, the government is contemplating to enhance the honorarium of medics posted in these areas. Besides, possibilities are also being explored to recruit local paramedical staff for smooth functioning of the health centres in inaccessible areas.

This was disclosed by the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad at a meeting of all HoDs, district and sectoral officers to take stock of the ongoing development works in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts here today.

Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Tara Chand, Minister for Tourism Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture Mr. Sham Lal Sharma, Member Parliament, Ch. Lal Singh, MLA Bhaderwah, Mr. Mohd. Sharief Naiz, MLA Doda, Mr. Abdul Majid Wani, MLA Inderwal, Mr.G. M. Saroori, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry, Commissioner/Secretary, PWD, Dr. Mehboob Iqbal, District Development Commissioner (DDC), Doda, Syed Sharief-ud-Din, DDC, Kishtwar Mr. G. R. Bhagat and DDC, Ramban Mr. A. K. Magotra were also present in the meeting.

Mr. Azad asked the officers of Union Health ministry to bring down the criterion under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) for establishing PHCs, CHCs, Health Sub-Centres and Medical Aid Centres in hilly areas. This, he said would bring the hilly regions having scattered population under the ambit of NRHM.

The Health Minister Mr. Sham Lal Sharma apprised that there is one ambulance for every 50 km in plain areas while as for every 15-20 km in hilly areas to provide better healthcare, adding that process of recruitment of drivers is also under active consideration. He also called for utilizing the services of ASHA workers efficiently for promoting institutional deliveries.

Regarding delay in construction of Hospital building at Bhaderwah, for which JKPCC pointed out paucity of funds, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma directed the MD, JKPCC to utilize the funds already lying with the Corporation under various schemes and complete the building within stipulated time period. Mr. Azad also reviewed the status of Hospital buildings at Bhaderwah, Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban and Trauma Centre at Thathri.

Enquiring about the status of various road projects in Bhaderwah, Doda and Ramban, the Union Minister stressed for early completion of these projects so that people do not face any problem. He was informed that forest clearance was the main bottleneck in construction of various roads under PMGSY in the erstwhile Doda district. He also directed the concerned authorities to start the work of Kaljugasar road in Gundoh and Ganpat Bridge in Doda within a week’s time.

Mr. Azad also took stock of the ration supply in the district and directed the concerned authorities to properly monitor the distribution and quality of food grains being supplied to the consumers in rural areas.

Meanwhile, Mr. Azad along with the ministers and officers visited Bhaderwah Fort, which was earlier used as a jail and is now being developed into a museum. They also visited the north campus of Jammu University at Sungli, Bhaderwah and reviewed its status.

He also distributed certificates to the mountaineers of Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering, Bhaderwah for their successful expeditions.

Later on way to Jai, Mr. Azad inspected Kapra garden, Balote hut and herbal garden developed in this beautiful tourist resort.