Mail News Service
Ranchi, Feb 17: State health minister Banna Gupta convened a meeting with Civil Surgeons of all the districts of Jharkhand to review the functioning of the health department and current health scenario in the state. He said the health department was one of the most important departments of the state. He said the lack of resources should be taken as a challenge.
Gupta said the state government was committed to improve the healthcare machinery in Jharkhand. He said special focus will be paid on improving healthcare services in the rural areas. Health department would reach out to rural masses through mobile health centres at weekly markets.
�Those working sincerely and honestly would be rewarded. If doctors and health staff face any problem, they should tell me frankly,� said Gupta.
Gupta said Civil Surgeons would be held accountable in case government doctors posted in a district are found practising privately in other districts. He said Civil Surgeons should take immediate action in such cases.
The health minister said the government would be organizing regular medical camps at weekly markets. Doctors, nursing staff and medicines would be available to villagers at these camps, he said.
�Zero tolerance on corruption�
State health minister Banna Gupta said the health officials need not work under pressure or fear. He said the district Civil Surgeons should also work fearlessly. He said the state government had a zero tolerance policy and hence strict action would be taken against those found guilty of corruption. He directed all Civil Surgeons to prepare their work plan within 15 days and sent it to the health department. Work would be initiated on strengthening basic infrastructure and making new appointments, he said.
Focus on women, malnutrition
Health Minister Banna Gupta asked all Civil Surgeons to pay special focus on prevention of gynaecologic diseases and malnutrition. He said a strong action plan should be laid out on fighting malnutrition. State health secretary Nitin Kulkarni was also present at the meeting.