Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh |: Dhamtari District Collector Avinash Mishra chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the District Health and Family Welfare Department, directing officials to accelerate the implementation of key public health programs, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, and ensure that quality medical services reach every eligible citizen in a timely manner.
The meeting, attended by the Chief Executive Officer of the District Panchayat, the Additional Collector, and senior health officials, reviewed the progress of several flagship initiatives, including the National Health Mission (NHM), Sickle Cell Elimination Campaign, Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Screening, HPV Vaccination, staffing of health institutions, and other public welfare programs.
Collector Orders Swift Recruitment in Health Institutions
During the review, Collector Avinash Mishra instructed officials to expedite recruitment for vacant positions in government health facilities in accordance with state guidelines. He emphasized giving priority to qualified local ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) candidates wherever applicable.
The Collector also directed officials to complete all pending household health surveys within one week, ensuring that beneficiaries are accurately identified for government healthcare schemes.
Focus on Sickle Cell Disease and Disability Certification
Reviewing the Sickle Cell Disease Program, officials informed the meeting that the district had successfully distributed the available Sickle Cell diagnostic kits to beneficiaries.
The Collector instructed that every diagnostic kit must include complete medical records of the concerned patient. He also directed health authorities to speed up the issuance of disability certificates for eligible Sickle Cell patients.
In addition, he called for a joint awareness campaign with the Women and Child Development Department, highlighting the importance of pre-marital medical screening to reduce the incidence of hereditary diseases such as Sickle Cell Anemia.
Strict Action Against Negligence
Expressing concern over lapses in healthcare delivery, Collector Mishra warned that officials failing to perform their duties satisfactorily would face accountability measures.
He ordered the issuance of show-cause notices to Community Health Officers (CHOs) and Rural Health Officers (RHOs) who were found absent in the Sihawa region, along with action to withhold their salaries as per government rules.
Only 23% Hypertension Screening Completed
During the review of the National Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Program, officials reported that only 23 percent of the target population had been screened for high blood pressure (hypertension).
Calling the progress unsatisfactory, the Collector directed authorities to organize special health camps in every Gram Panchayat to achieve 100 percent screening of eligible residents.
He further instructed officials to ensure regular follow-up, continuous monitoring, and proper treatment for individuals diagnosed during the screening process.
HPV Vaccination to Reach Schools and Hostels
Reviewing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign, the Collector instructed health teams to expand their outreach beyond schools and conduct vaccination drives in student hostels as well.
He stressed that no eligible child should be left out of the vaccination program.
Health Infrastructure Expansion Planned
The meeting also reviewed the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) program, where the progress in the Sihawa region was appreciated.
Additionally, officials were instructed to prepare and submit a proposal for expanding Magarlod Health Facility by increasing its capacity to 20 hospital beds, strengthening healthcare services for the region.
American Public Health Experts React
Dr. Emily Johnson, an American public health policy specialist, said that district-level monitoring and accountability are critical for improving healthcare outcomes. She noted that combining screening, preventive care, and timely follow-up can significantly reduce the long-term burden of chronic diseases.
Meanwhile, Michael Carter, a U.S.-based global healthcare consultant, praised the district’s emphasis on Sickle Cell awareness, vaccination, and community-based health camps. He said that prioritizing preventive healthcare and expanding access in rural areas reflects international best practices in public health management.
Key Priorities Identified During the Review
- Accelerated recruitment in vacant healthcare positions.
- Completion of pending household health surveys within one week.
- Faster disability certification for Sickle Cell patients.
- Mass awareness campaigns on hereditary diseases and pre-marital health screening.
- Special NCD screening camps in every Gram Panchayat.
- Regular follow-up for patients diagnosed with hypertension.
- HPV vaccination in both schools and hostels.
- Expansion of Magarlod Health Facility to improve healthcare capacity.
Concluding the meeting, Collector Avinash Mishra emphasized that the ultimate objective of every government health scheme is to ensure that its benefits reach the last person in society. He instructed all officials and healthcare workers to carry out their responsibilities with dedication, accountability, and sensitivity, ensuring effective implementation of public health programs across the district.
