Guwahati: Minister Ashok Singhal Cautions Department on Non-Communicable Diseases

STAFF REPORTER

Guwahati: Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal held a comprehensive review meeting of the Health Department at his office in Janata Bhawan today. During the meeting, he emphasised the urgent need to strengthen the department's digital presence and expressed concern over the rising incidence of lifestyle diseases in the state.

The minister called for the development of an integrated web portal to provide detailed, up-to-date information on departmental schemes, activities, health indicators, human resources, and more. He stressed the importance of transparency and accessibility in health-related data.

Minister Singhal voiced alarm over the annual rise in non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes, cautioning that these conditions could escalate into a statewide epidemic within the next decade if not addressed urgently. He highlighted the critical role of public awareness in promoting overall health, physical activity, balanced diets, healthy lifestyles, and mental well-being.

To this end, he directed the Health Department to launch a special statewide campaign aimed at combating lifestyle diseases. Further directives included the formulation of a policy for proportional allocation of doctors and health workers, including specialists, across districts based on population and hospital needs.

Minister Singhal also instructed the media cell of the National Health Mission (NHM) to publish a monthly newsletter showcasing implemented schemes, success stories, and updated health indicators to foster greater public awareness.

The meeting also focused on the expansion of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK). The minister directed the department to prepare a detailed plan to implement the program in a campaign mode, ensuring broader reach and impact. During the review of infrastructure projects under the NHM, Minister Singhal emphasised the completion of long-pending projects before submitting any new proposals. Key discussions also covered the 'Sugom to Durgom' scheme for transferring doctors and health workers, the implementation of the Universal Immunisation Campaign, and upcoming Special Immunisation Campaigns.

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