Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday directed the Health Department to replace Janani Suraksha Drop-Back ambulances across Himachal Pradesh, reiterating the state government’s commitment to providing accessible, quality and efficient healthcare services to citizens. He was presiding over a review meeting of the National Health Mission here.
The Chief Minister informed that 125 Janani Suraksha Drop-Back ambulances would be replaced at an estimated cost of Rs 10.68 crore. He said strengthening public health services remains the government’s top priority and continuous efforts are being made to upgrade facilities and services under the Health Department.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also announced the launch of a special programme for the health check-up and care of elderly citizens under the Elderly and Palliative Care initiative. An amount of nearly Rs 20 crore will be spent under this programme to provide medical examination and treatment at home for bedridden patients. Special teams comprising doctors, paramedical staff and other healthcare workers will be constituted for this purpose and linked with 70 Model Health Institutions. He said the initiative reflects the government’s strong commitment towards ensuring dignity and quality healthcare for senior citizens.
The Chief Minister said that several programmes are also being implemented to provide world-class healthcare services to children and pregnant women. Children suffering from Type-1 diabetes and pregnant women will be provided free insulin pumps, on which around Rs 2.25 crore will be spent.
Expressing concern over drug abuse among youth, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stressed the need for effective rehabilitation of young people trapped in addiction. He directed the officers to strengthen rehabilitation centres and prepare a comprehensive and effective action plan to address the issue.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Minister’s Principal Advisor (Innovation, Digital Technology and Governance) Gokul Butail, Secretary Health Priyanka Basu Ingty, Director Digital Technologies and Governance Dr. Nipun Jindal, Mission Director NHM Pradeep Kumar Thakur, Director Health Services Gopal Beri and other senior officers.
