THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, June 2: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday directed officials to strengthen Jharkhand’s healthcare system, expedite the recruitment of nurses and doctors, and establish an AI-enabled control room for monitoring ambulance services during a high-level review meeting of the Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare.
The review meeting, held at the Jharkhand Secretariat, focused on hospital infrastructure, availability of medicines, digital monitoring of health services, implementation of welfare schemes, and the status of healthcare personnel across the state.
“Providing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services to every citizen is the government’s priority,” the Chief Minister said.
AI Control Room for Ambulance Services
Expressing dissatisfaction over the functioning of ambulance services, Soren directed officials to establish an AI-powered control room to improve monitoring and response times.
He also asked the department to study app-based emergency transport models similar to Uber and Ola and submit a detailed proposal within a week.
“In emergencies, every minute is critical. Ambulance services must be swift and effective,” he said.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure that all ambulances attached to health institutions remain functional and warned of strict action in cases of negligence.
Health Profiles for All Citizens
Soren directed the department to prepare comprehensive health profiles for all residents, including children, and emphasized the use of modern technology to improve healthcare delivery and monitoring.
He also called for stronger health management systems and regular health check-up mechanisms.
Recruitment of ANMs, GNMs and Doctors
The Chief Minister instructed officials to immediately fill vacant posts of Auxiliary Nursing Midwives (ANMs) and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) nurses and accelerate the recruitment of specialist and general doctors.
He said healthcare services should not suffer due to manpower shortages, particularly in rural areas.
Separate Plans for Urban and Rural Healthcare
Acknowledging the differing healthcare challenges in urban and rural regions, Soren directed the department to prepare separate action plans for both sectors.
He also sought detailed studies on rural healthcare management and emergency response systems for diseases such as cancer, heart attacks, strokes and diabetes.
Abua Dawakhana to Be Launched
The Chief Minister announced that the state government will operationalise ‘Chief Minister Abua Dawakhana’ across Jharkhand.
The clinics will function as integrated medicine centres within Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and provide free medicines from Allopathy, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Unani and Siddha systems under one roof.
Focus on Hospital Infrastructure
Soren directed officials to improve emergency services, sanitation, medicine quality and diagnostic facilities in government hospitals.
He also instructed the department to formulate a plan for installing air-cooling systems in hospitals and upgrading burn units.
The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of medical colleges under construction in Koderma, Bokaro, Chaibasa, Dumka, Jamshedpur and Hazaribagh, directing officials to speed up work and ensure timely completion.
Push for Medical Education and Organ Donation
The Chief Minister directed the department to increase UG and PG seats in medical colleges and establish better facilities for treating paralysis and stroke patients.
He also called for awareness campaigns on organ donation and directed medical colleges to organise workshops with leading specialists from across the country.
Blood Banks, ABHA Cards and Hospital Audits
Among other directives, Soren asked officials to:
- Streamline blood bank operations and establish Blood Separation Units
- Launch an AI-based call centre for health services
- Conduct an audit of referral systems and Ayushman Scheme hospitals
- Organise eye-care and health check-up camps across the state
- Intensify ABHA card registration drives in schools, colleges and Anganwadis
- Upgrade Sadar Hospitals under the Mukhyamantri Aspatal Kayakalp Yojana
Online Review of Health Facilities
During the meeting, the Chief Minister connected virtually with the Health Sub-Centre at Am Dumariya in Jamtara district and Dumri Referral Hospital in Giridih district to assess service delivery, staffing, patient load and emergency care facilities.
Health Minister Irfan Ansari, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh, and other senior officials attended the review meeting.