DC Samba reviews Health Services scenario

• Emphasizes inclusive patient care, good governance

SAMBA: Deputy Commissioner Samba, Ayushi Sudan today conducted an extensive review of the Health Department’s performance and ongoing initiatives in the district here at a meeting.

 The meeting underscored the administration’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing health services, promoting good governance, and achieving universal healthcare coverage for all sections of society, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized populations.

The Deputy Commissioner laid special emphasis on accelerating efforts under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), directing officials to achieve the ambitious target of screening 70,000 vulnerable individuals for TB in the district.

 Recognizing TB elimination as a top priority, DC Sudan stressed the critical importance of community engagement through Nikshay Mitras, the dedicated community volunteers who serve as a vital bridge between TB patients and healthcare services.   She asked Community Health Officers (CHOs) to work in close coordination with Nikshay Mitras to proactively identify potential TB cases, deliver effective treatment support, and diligently monitor patient outcomes to ensure complete recovery.

In line with the administration’s vision of inclusive healthcare, the Deputy Commissioner directed immediate saturation of the district’s population aged 70 years and above with ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) cards, thereby ensuring that senior citizens have unhindered access to quality healthcare services and benefits under government schemes.

To expedite the creation of digital health identities and promote the adoption of digital health initiatives across all demographics, the DC instructed officials to actively engage with private sector operators for generating ABHA IDs, thereby leveraging public-private partnerships for enhanced service delivery.

Addressing another critical aspect of healthcare governance and social welfare, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Chief Medical Officer to organize a comprehensive workshop to acquaint medical fraternity with the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.

“The initiative aims to create awareness about preventing sex-selective practices, combating gender discrimination, and promoting the survival and well-being of the girl child, thus reinforcing the administration’s commitment to gender equality and women’s healthcare,” she added.

Concluding the review, Deputy Commissioner Ayushi Sudan emphasized that achieving TB elimination goals and ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage requires collective efforts, sustained awareness campaigns, extensive screening drives and robust treatment support mechanisms.

She called upon all stakeholders, including Nikshay Mitras, Community Health Officers, private healthcare operators, and departmental officials, to work cohesively towards strengthening healthcare services and building a healthier, TB-free society.

The meeting was attended by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vidhi Bhatial, Block Medical Officers of Nud, Ramgarh and Purmandal, District Health Officer, District Immunization Officer, all Nodal Officers and other senior officials of the Health Department, reflecting the administration’s comprehensive approach towards good governance and people-centric healthcare delivery.