Assam Health Minister Ashok Singhal has instructed officials to ensure that Caesarean section (C-section) services are available in every Assembly constituency. This directive comes as the Health Department is placed on high alert to address any public health emergencies resulting from the worsening flood situation in Upper Assam. Singhal chaired a comprehensive review meeting in Dispur, evaluating the healthcare system in various districts including Dhubri, South Salmara-Mankachar, Kokrajhar, Chirang, and Bongaigaon.
Singhal, during the meeting attended by MLAs from these districts and senior Health Department and National Health Mission (NHM) officials, assessed healthcare infrastructure, doctor availability, government health scheme implementation, and the quality of medical services. He emphasized the importance of maternal and child healthcare, urging officials to ensure C-section facilities through qualified doctors in each Assembly constituency. This initiative aims to reduce the need to transfer pregnant women with complex deliveries to distant hospitals, ensuring prompt access to life-saving treatments.
The minister also stressed the need to enhance efforts in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, early identification of high-risk pregnancies, expanding free dialysis services, and enhancing key public health indicators statewide. Singhal reviewed the progress of significant public health programs like Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), School Health Clubs, and the TB-free India campaign, underlining the necessity for improved healthcare outreach in rural areas.
Additionally, Singhal conducted an emergency video conference with officials from Assam Medical College, Jorhat Medical College, and district administrations of Jorhat, Charaideo, and Sivasagar to address the flood situation. He instructed health authorities to maintain essential medicine stocks, establish special medical teams for emergencies, conduct health camps in flood-affected regions, and ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation to prevent waterborne disease outbreaks. Singhal directed all relevant departments to be on high alert round-the-clock, ensuring immediate medical aid and relief for flood-affected individuals.
