Aruchal seeks Army’s involvement in health sector

FROM OUR STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, January 7: To strengthen civilian and Army relations further, the Aruchal Pradesh government is contemplating to involve the Army in its health sector with the Health and Family Welfare Department, taking the lead in this regard.

A high level prelimiry discussion was held between top ranking Army officers, mely brigadier CS Ahulwali, an anesthesiologist from Dimapur–based Army’s 3 Corps, brigadier S Bhatgar, an oncologist and brigadier MC Pant, both from Tezpur–based 4 Corps and state chief secretary Ramesh Negi, health and family welfare secretary Indira Mallo and Dr Bimang tung from the health department here yesterday.

The meeting aimed at exploring areas of cooperation between the state government and Army with a view to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in civilian health care initiatives during peace as well as war time, Mallo informed.

The MoU once signed would cement the civilian–Army relations further in this sensitive border state, the chief secretary commented.

Appreciating the move, Health and Family Welfare Minister Rajesh Tacho said that the move would go a long way in improving the health care delivery system of this land–locked state. "The state government will extend all possible support to seek the cooperation of the Army, particularly in far–flung border areas," the minister added.