THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 29: Chief Minister Hemant Soren stated that the government has made numerous appointments across various departments over the past four years to ensure a robust and systematic operation. This process of appointments is ongoing.
“Today the state government is posting 365 Community Health Officers (CHOs) in various community health centers of the state. All the newly appointed Community Health Officers will work as an integral part of the state government from today. All the newly appointed CHOs are becoming such a link of the state government, where they will have big responsibilities of the health sector on their shoulders. The system of the state government in the health sector has to be easily delivered to the general public through them only, hence their role will be important in the creation of a healthy Jharkhand,” Hemant Soren said.
The Chief Minister made these remarks on Thursday while addressing the appointment letter distribution ceremony for 365 Community Health Officers at the Project Bhavan auditorium. On this occasion, he symbolically handed over appointment letters to 5 CHOs.
Thousands of appointments made despite numerous challenges
CM Hemant Soren stated that today, nearly 365 Community Health Officers are being appointed. Prior to this, veterinarians and medical officers have also been appointed, along with lab assistants. For the first time, scientists have been appointed for the forensic lab. AYUSH doctors, dental surgeons, and A-Grade nurses have also been appointed.
He mentioned that even during challenging times, his government has appointed agriculture officers, horticulture officers, panchayat secretaries, clerks, accountants, teachers, junior engineers, and assistant engineers. He emphasized that thousands of appointments have been made, and many more are in the process.
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Role of newly appointed CHOs crucial in healthcare system
Addressing the newly appointed CHOs, Chief Minister Hemant Soren highlighted the significance of understanding the unique geographical structure, social dynamics, and mindset of the people in Jharkhand. He emphasized that CHOs must find ways to effectively deliver healthcare services to the population.
“In this beautiful state, surrounded by forests, hills, and rivers, there are villages where people have never seen a city and have little interaction with government services. Many still rely on traditional healing practices based on incomplete knowledge of herbs and rituals, which sometimes lead to concerning incidents”, he said.
He urged the CHOs to connect with the people with a strong sense of responsibility toward their health. He mentioned that the newly appointed CHOs will often play a dual role, acting both as doctors and nurses. In essence, they will serve as all-rounders in the health department, fulfilling multiple critical roles.
Providing basic facilities is a priority
The CM stated that the state government has consistently prioritized providing basic facilities to everyone. With this goal in mind, the government has implemented various public welfare initiatives and policies. He acknowledged that his government faces several challenges.
Due to the state’s geographical conditions, delivering healthcare services to the general public often takes time, and in some cases, delays are intentionally caused, leading to difficulties for patients. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of all concerned to ensure that such situations do not arise in the future.
He also mentioned that the government is working not only to provide basic facilities in hospitals run by the health department but also in those operated by the welfare and labor departments.
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Better workforce and system essential despite technological era
The CM remarked that without sufficient manpower, achieving excellence in work is impossible.
“While we are in a technological era where robotic systems are gradually taking over various fields, and industries have become fully mechanized, the importance of human expertise remains paramount. Even in the healthcare sector, the use of machines has increased, but people still seek out skilled doctors and quality healthcare services, often traveling to different states for better treatment” he said.
In Jharkhand, due to the presence of good doctors, patients from other states also come here for medical care. The Chief Minister emphasized that the CHOs should play a role that naturally attracts people to them.
Robust action plan being developed to strengthen healthcare
He further stated that the government is continuously working to improve the health department. The state government has developed a strategic action plan for the healthcare sector, which aims to establish a robust healthcare system in Jharkhand soon, ensuring that no one needs to travel to other states for treatment.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the general public will remain healthy only if the health department itself is in good shape. To support this, an annual budget provision of ₹5 crore has been allocated to ensure the proper cleaning and maintenance of health centres.
He further explained that under the Chief Minister’s Hospital Operation and Maintenance Scheme, the government is providing ₹75 lakh annually to district hospitals, ₹50 lakh to sub-divisional hospitals, ₹10 lakh to community health centres/referral hospitals, ₹5 lakh to primary health centres, and ₹2 lakh to health sub-centres/Ayushman Arogya centres.
Concluding his remarks, the Chief Minister expressed his best wishes to all the newly appointed CHOs, acknowledging their enthusiasm and happiness as they embark on this new journey.
