THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Ranchi, September 9: Jharkhand Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari on Tuesday handed appointment letters to 91 Community Health Officers (CHOs) at a grand ceremony held at the Lok Swasthya Sansthan auditorium in Namkum.
Addressing the appointees, Dr. Ansari acknowledged the challenges ahead but urged them not to fear, assuring that the government would provide full protection and support.
Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
Dr. Ansari emphasized that since taking charge, consistent efforts are being made to strengthen the state’s healthcare system. He stated that reforms long overdue over the past 25 years are now being implemented rapidly.
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Referring to his recent visit to Bokaro, he highlighted the difficulties faced by patients due to the absence of MRI and CT scan machines in hospitals. He announced that MRI and CT scan facilities would now be installed in all district hospitals.
With enthusiasm, the minister said he acts on his words and admitted that strict measures would be necessary to improve healthcare, which may face opposition from some quarters. During the event, he recited poetry, adding an inspiring tone to the ceremony.
New Hospitals, Medical Colleges, and Ambulances
Dr. Ansari also announced the establishment of a 2,100-bed super-specialty kidney hospital in the state, which would allow treatment for serious kidney diseases and kidney transplants within Jharkhand. He further assured timely completion of Medico City, six new medical colleges, and the addition of 200 new ambulances.
Health Indicators and Future Outlook
Speaking at the ceremony, Additional Chief Secretary of Health Ajay Kumar Singh noted that Jharkhand’s health indicators are better than the national average.
He reported that the infant mortality rate in the state is 25 compared to the national average of 28, while the maternal mortality rate is 56 against the national average of 97. Institutional deliveries stand at 75% in Jharkhand, slightly below the national average of 88.6%. He said these figures are encouraging and guide the health department to work even more effectively.
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The ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including Shashi Prakash Jha, Mission Director of the National Health Mission; Abu Imran, Managing Director of Jharkhand Medical Corporation; and Dr. Siddharth Sanyal, Director of Primary Health Services.
Dr. Ansari concluded by assuring that the people of Jharkhand would no longer have to travel far for medical treatment, and the future would witness better health and well-being for the state.
