Steps to improve urban health infrastructure on the cards

Saturday, 30 May 2009 00:00 administrator
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Source : The Business Line Date : 30.05.2009

Steps to improve urban health infrastructure on the cards

Rural health mission will continue to be priority area.

V. Sudershan

New mission: The Union Health Minister, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, assuming office in New Delhi on Friday. —

Our Bureau

New Delhi, May 29 Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, who took over as the Minister of Health & Family Welfare on Friday, said that he will be initiating a National Urban Health Mission in line with the rural health mission.

“Urban population is increasing very fast and urban health care infrastructure is not able to cope with growing demand. The National Urban Health Mission will be vigorously pursued and will be soon implemented after approval by the Cabinet,” Mr Azad said soon after taking charge.

Terming his new assignment as an opportunity to serve even the most deprived section of society, he emphasised implementation of National Rural Health Mission ‘in letter and spirit’ as his first priority.

“National Rural Health Mission is one programme, which is playing a major role in improving the health status of over one billion people in India. This has addressed a long-standing grievance of non-existing rural health infrastructure,” he said adding that the ministry will take a half yearly review of the programme with all the State Governments so that the scheme is implemented fully.

The Minister also pointed out the initiative of strengthening six new AIIMS and up-gradation of 13 state medical institutions. Two more AIIMS like institutes and upgradation of six state medical institutions will be taken up in the second phase.

Referring to new diseases, which have emerged in the recent times, Mr Azad said that production of new vaccines will be a priority area.

“India needs to be independent in this crucial sector as these new diseases are a major danger in the light of large population and paucity of health infrastructure,” the Minister said. On a question regarding AIIMS the Minister said that supremacy of institutions is sacrosanct in the authority of institutions will not be allowed to be diluted.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Mr Dinesh Trivedi, also took charge on Friday.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 June 2009 04:14