State joins in observing World Population Day
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 11 2014 : As in other parts of the globe, Manipur today observed World Population Day to raise awareness on global population issues.

The main observance function was held at the auditorium of Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC), Palace Compound here under the joint aegis of Directorate of Family Welfare Services and State Health Society the theme of 'A Time to Reflect on Population Trends & Related Issues' .

The event was attended by Dr Suhel Akhtar, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare as Chief Guest; Dr Okram Ibomcha, State Mission Director, State Health Society as President while Dr A Bijoy Singh, Director, Health Services; Dr K Rajo Singh, Additional Director, Family Welfare Services; Dr S Manikanta Singh, State Nodal Officer, Urban Health Mission and Dr S Bimolakumari, Chief Medical Officer, Imphal West as Guests of Honor.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Suhel Akhtar said that India being the second most populous country has been facing unemployment, poverty and many other potential threats and noted that family planning is one of the corrective ways to deter such problems in future.

World Population Day observed at Chandel

He also said that early pregnancy detection test should be adopted by partners as this will also help in restraining the problem of over population of the country.

To mark the occasion, a rally was organized which was flagged off by Dr Okram Ibomcha from the office of Director Family Welfare Services at BT Road.

The rally after passing several areas in the city ended at MFDC.

The World Population Day was also observed by Manipur Economics Association at Manipur Press Club here with Prof M Iboton Singh, former Member of State Finance Commission and Prof E Bijoykumar Singh, Dean, School of Social Sciences of Manipur University who is also the president of Manipur Economics Association attending as Chief Guest and President respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Iboton stated that it is not an easy task to stop migrants from entering the State as they also have the rights to settle anywhere in the country but considering the rampant influx of them; it has now become necessary to understand why they are entering the State and their motives.

He called upon the people especially youths not to be particular in choosing jobs as this will help in minimizing the rampant influx of migrants in the State to some extent.

Under the theme 'Planned Family Happiness Forever', World Population Fortnight was inaugurated during a function at District Hospital Chandel today.

The observance which would go on till July 24 in all 5 blocks of the district was inaugurated by District Immunization Officer (DIO) Dr Romi Ngoru.

Organised by District Health Society Chandel, officials of NRHM Chandel, Doctors and Nurses of the district hospitals and staffs of the CMO Chandel attended the function.

Speaking on the occasion as a resource person, Monitoring Chairman of RKS HB Kobor urged the gathering to plan their families to live a happy life forever.

Illustrating to the theme of the observance, Dr Romi Ngoru stressed on the need for mobilization and awareness of the mass.

He also highlighted on Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD/CuT), Mala-N, Condoms and E-Pill as fortnight activities that would be carried throughout the blocks of the districts.

For Churachandpur district, the observance of World Population Day was held at Synod Hall, I B Road, Lamka Churachandpur with PK Jha, IAS, DC of Churachandpur as Chief Guest.

During the function, Dr.Thangchinkhup, CMO, Churachandpur gave the keynote address while Dr.Binakumari, MO PPC presented a slide show on CU-T 380A insertion.

DLOs, Medical Officers, nurses under CMO and ASHAs of Lamka town area, DACO and staff attended the function.

Speaking on the occasion, District Family Officer, Dr.V C Pau pointed out that as the world population edged to 7 billion in 2011, the increase has had profound implications on development.

A world of 7 billion is both a challenge and an opportunity with implications and sustainability, urbanization, access to health services and youth empowerment, he said.

"Action is urgently needed, too many young people lack resources they need to lift themselves out of poverty, I am particularly concerned about adolescent girls who may face discrimination, sexual violence, early marriage, and unwanted pregnancies, and even among those young people fortunate enough to receive university degree, many find themselves without employment or struck in low-wage, dead--jobs", said Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur PK Jha said in this address.

He further informed the gathering that United Nations, Secretary Ban Ki Moon's remarks on World Population Day-2014 may be quoted that today the world has largest generation of youth in history about 1.8 billion young people, mostly in developing countries, with enormous potential to tackle the major challenges of humanity.

But too many are denied their rightful opportunities to get education, find decent work, and participate in the political life of their societies.

World population is an opportunity to renew our commitment to help young people unleash progress across the society, he added.

Churachandpur district has 16 Primary Health Sub-centres with no ANMs, lamented CMO District Hospital Dr Thangchinkhup and added that it directly means there is no one to give immunization to the poor infants and children in those sub-centres and their coverage villages.

The CMO observed that while the state government is providing adequate manpower to man these sub-centres, it's a live case of being thirsty on the sea of water.