State cabinet to review Covid situation: CM N Biren
CM launches CMHT & PMJAY social media campaign
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, July 11 2022: Informing that the state government is aware of the growing concerns over the possibility of Covid-19 pandemic spreading among children below 12 years of age who are yet to be vaccinated; Chief Minister N Biren Singh has stated the cabinet will be discussing whether to resume or suspend physical classes for this age group, and invited suggestions from the public in this regard.

The CM was speaking during the launch function of the Chief Minister-gi Hakshel gi Tengbang (CMHT) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) Social Media Campaign at Hotel Classic Grande, Chingmeirong here on Monday.

The Social Media Campaign includes official page of "CMHT & PMJAY Manipur" on all social media platforms, State Health Agency Manipur's Official Website, Role out of open BIS (Self Registration for PMJAY Card), launch of PMJAY Comic Book/Teacher's guidebook/PMJAY & CMHT Flyers, updated information on CMHT & PMJAY brochures, roll-out of PMJAY Card Generation Drive by Zephyr Ltd & MedSave Health Insurance TPA Pvt Ltd.

During the function, the Chief Minister accompanied by Health & Family Welfare minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh also distributed the Kayakalp Award, 2020 and computers to TIs and LWS NGOs under MACS.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister N Biren congratulated the winners of the various awards under Kayakalp Awards and added that the state government is also recognising and awarding government employees who are sincere and dedicated to their service.

Stressing on the positive change in the health sector under the present government, the CM observed that JNIMS has a hospital-like and hygienic environment today unlike in the past.

Manipur has improved tremendously in the health sector as is evident from the successful Kidney transplant at JNIMS recently, he said, before explaining the importance of neurosurgery and the need to improve infrastructure for neurosurgery in the State.

Biren further shared his satisfaction on the service of the health staff and said that health is a crucial sector, and the commitment and seriousness shown by health workers during the Covid-19 pandemic was appreciable.

The CM further highlighted the various issues faced due to shortage of oxygen and also while procuring the same during the pandemic in the state, while adding that with the cooperation and support of the medical and health workers, we could overcome the pandemic.

The CM then remarked that we still cannot take Covid lightly since there are still many who are yet to get vaccinated especially children below the age of 12 years.

The number of positive cases which was previously nil, has spiked to 20-27 per cent over the past few days.

Some of the cases have been vaccinated, others not.

The damages incurred due to being unvaccinated are far more than being vaccinated.

Thus, the Health Department is presently discussing preventive measures including mass awareness campaigns about the two doses and booster shot.

Presently, schools are prepping up for reopening and considering that children below the age of 12 years are yet to be vaccinated, the state cabinet will be discussing whether to resume or suspend physical classes, Biren informed, while inviting suggestions from the people in this regard.

While pointing out irregularities in enrolment of PMJAY scheme in Manipur which were brought up during the Chief Ministers' conference, Biren informed that beneficiaries enrolled under CMHT could soon be transferred to the PMJAY scheme, subjected to a strict verification process and rules/regulations which are yet to be formulated.

Stating that the CMHT was launched on January 21, 2018 to help and support the needy and poor people in their medical treatment, CM Biren further appreciated the launching of the social media campaign, and said that information about the scheme can now be shared online as well as registration will be made easier.

He also talked about the 'Health for All' scheme and informed that under the scheme, not only free door-to-door health checkups but even medicines are provided for certain diseases.

The primary focus of the scheme is early detection of diseases, he added.

Medical teams are covering all areas including even inaccessible areas under the scheme, he said, while expressing his appreciation of the health workers.

Citing the recent incidents of unfortunate landslides in the hill districts, the chief minister said that the government is pushing forward its Green Manipur Mission and targeting to plant 75 lakh saplings by August-end.

He further stated that nature does not need humans, but the humans need nature, and as such, urged all to get involved in the mission.

Health & Family Welfare minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh said that CMHT is the brainchild of the Chief Minister, which was launched with a commitment to help the poor and needy.

With the support of doctors and health workers, implementation of the scheme has been successful, he added, while stating the social media campaign will further help in increasing the enrolment of beneficiaries under PMJAY and CMHT.

Stating that the Kayakalp Award is related to cleanliness and maintenance of hygiene in the hospitals, Dr Ranjan said that the CM has been emphasising on the importance of keeping the hospital environment neat and tidy.

In the Kayakalp Award-2022 District Hospital and SDH/CHC category, District Hospital Bishnupur and CHC Bishnupur received the Winners' Awards and SDH Moreh Tengnoupal received the runners-up award.

In the Primary Health Centre category, Lamlai, Mekola, Sagang, Thanga, Pallel, Moreh, Charangpat, Chingai, Tadubi, Saikul, Tamei, Khoupum, Borobekra and Sibapurikhal PHCs received the Winners' Award; while PHC Komlathabi and PHC Phungyar received Commendation Awards.

In the Health and Wellness Centre category, HWCs of Seijang, Awang Wabagai, Suangdoh, Phubala, Unopat, Leimakhong and Langathel received the Winners' Award.

One beneficiary each of CMHT and PMJAY also delivered testimonials before the gathering.

The dignitaries also released a Kayakalp booklet and flagged off the 'Know your HIV/AIDS Status Stay Healthy' Campaign.

Short videos were also shown highlighting the finer points of CMHT and PMJAY schemes.

The function was organised by Directorate of Health Services in collaboration with Manipur State AIDS Control Society and State Health Agency, Manipur.

Additional chief secretary Health and Family Welfare Vumlunmang Vualnam, officials, recipients of awards, proprietors of private hospitals among others also attended the function.

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