Union Health Minister of Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad launched several new health initiatives worth Rs.500 crores under NRHM for the strengthening of healthcare services in Assam at Guwahati last week.
The new initiatives are –
– Free Generic Drug Service,
– Rashtriya Bal Swasthya karyakram (RBSK),
– National Iron Plus Initiative,
– Fleet of 359 New Ambulances for National Ambulance Service
Shri Azad also inaugurated Mother & Child Tracking System Call Centre and Tele-Radiology Project under NRHM.
In addition, Shri Azad also laid the foundation stone of 14 MCH Wings of various District Hospitals which are being constructed at the cost of more than Rs.320 crores to cater to the increased demand of institutional deliveries, as also improve the maternal & child health. These MCHs wings upon becoming functional will provide 1400 additional beds to the health system of Assam.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Azad said the aim of UPA Govt. is to upgrade and strengthen healthcare systems at all levels to provide accessible, equitable and affordable healthcare services across the country.
Explaining the importance of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), Shri Azad said this unique initiative can lay the foundation of a healthy nation as it signals a leap towards universal health coverage.
Launching a fleet of 359 new 108 Ambulances under National Ambulance Service of NRHM, Shri Azad expressed the hope that this will lend strength to referral and emergency transport facility in the State, adding that 50 Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) have been already funded under NRHM in the State.
These functions were attended by Chief Minister, Assam and Health Minister, Assam.