“The progress of National Rural Health Mission programme should be taken up as mission mode with a missionary zeal” GANGTOK, September 25: K Raamamoorthy, IAS, Joint Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare assured the State Health Department for extension of all possible help required from the Ministry for infrastructure facilities and upgradation of Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital.
He was here in the capital in Gangtok for a five day visit to review the ongoing National Rural Health Mission Programme (NRHMP) and modernization/upgradation of STNM from 300 to 500 bedded hospital.
During the meeting with the Heath officials Mr. Raamamoorthy also said that if the department will be able to project their requirement for central assistance then there will be no problem for extending financial assistance to the State. He further says fund is no problem for North-East States but the problem is “a problem of plenty” as North East is having 1500 crores and more for development of health care infrastructure facilities.
The cost for development of manpower and maintenance etc has to be shouldered by the State Government for better health care system in the State, he informed.
He also took stock of the present position/progress of the work taken under NRHMP in different fields. Expressing his happiness regarding the progress made under NRHMP for infrastructure and hospital management, he advised the gathering of doctors, officers, specialist etc, to ‘think big, think for a better tomorrow and to work for the next generation.” He also mentioned that the progress of NRHMP should be taken up as “mission mode with a missionary zeal”. The formation of National Health Mission is the vision of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Union Health Minister Dr. Ramadoss to provide better health care system in the rural areas of the country, he said.
Mr. Raamamoorthy accompanied Karma Gyatso, IAS, Principal Secretary, Health had called on the Chief Secretary ND Chingapa at his chamber and apprised him of the purpose of the visit.
Mr. Ramamoorthy also attended the convocation at Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Tadong on September 24.
Earlier, Karma Gyatso stated the health scenario of the State and requested Mr. Raamamoorthy to advise the programme officers of NRHM and also requested him to visit the STNM hospital. Dr K Bhandari , Principal Chief Consultant gave the introductory remarks of STNM hospital and requirement of upgradation of the same into a 500 bedded hospital under one roof for better management of the hospital administration. Dr SC Pradhan, Director, Health Services who also heads the NRHMP apprised the house regarding progress of the mission activities in the State.
