The Hon'ble Union Health Minister, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, visited the Umsaw Nongkharai Health and Wellness Center in Umling, an aspirational block, accompanied by Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Health Minister of Meghalaya, Smt. L. Sweety Changsan, Mission Director, NHM, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Shri Ramkumar S. IAS, Secretary, Department Health & Family Welfare & Mission Director, NHM, Meghalaya, Shri Arpit Upadhyay, Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District and other government officials from the Health Department.
During his visit, the Union Minister toured the Health and Wellness Center, and commended the dedicated staff for regularly conducting deliveries at the Health & Wellness Center, for providing teleconsultation services for the patients and for vigilant follow-ups on non-communicable disease cases. The Union health minister interacted with the ASHAs, health workers, Anganwadi workers, NIKSHAY Mitras, and patients who have benefited from PMJAY.
Following the visit, a review meeting was held at the Deputy Commissioner's office. Where the Union Health Minister, Shri. Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized the importance of equitable growth and development for a country to progress. Acknowledging our Prime Minister's recent comment on "the lack of uniform development in the country", he expressed the urgent need for periodic reform of government schemes and initiatives.
The union health minister, pointed out that there are currently 500 blocks identified as below the national average, listed as aspirational districts. The goal is to elevate these districts to national average levels by fulfilling indicators on a mission mode. He stressed the significance of providing essential infrastructure and services to all aspirational districts, empowering the workforce at the village level, including Anganwadi workers, ASHAs and SHGs to achieve desired results.
The union Health minister further highlighted the importance of workshops at the cluster level, using the Ayushman Bhav concept of community mobilization and skill development for key government officials and villages. He emphasized the need to prioritize people's involvement and unite them "to uplift aspirational districts to inspirational districts" through community participation.
Meanwhile, Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Meghalaya's Health Minister, stressed, "Diseases such as TB and cancer, if left unchecked, could lower the health indicators of our state. As such, it is vital that we work collectively to ensure their eradication. We must also ensure equal opportunities for all citizens to access necessary health services and facilities."
Note: The Aspirational District & Aspirational Block Program is a transformative initiative designed to create equal opportunities, uplift communities, and convert challenges into opportunities for a brighter and more prosperous India.
