Minister Dr Ranjan stresses hiking of health budget
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, May 15 2022: Medical, Health & Family Welfare minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh was felicitated by Indian Medical Association (IMA), Manipur State Branch, at the IMA hall Lamphelpat, on Sunday.

Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Ranjan informed that the health sector is one of the most important areas, which need to be prioritised, and promised that being the minister in-charge of health he will work to bring the best health care system in the state.

While stating that experts concerned and officials will be consulted with for achieving the objective, he also noted that there is need to increase budgetary allocation as well as number of medical colleges and nursing institutes in the state in order to address the problem of shortage of medical staff.

Concerning the health care of the school going children and adolescents, the minister said that a policy will be framed soon for the school going children and this new step will help mitigate the health related problems of the school going children and adolescents.

While expressing confidence that the proposal sent to the health ministry to increase the budget for health department by at-least 8 per cent might be considered, he said hike in bud getary allocation will enable the department to focus on development of healthcare facilities in the interior parts of the state.

In view of the increasing number of patients from across the border seeking medical treatment in the state, ensuring adequate availability of specialist doctors will definitely help promote medical tourism, the minister maintained, adding that improvement in the healthcare sector will have to start from the grassroots level such as primary health centres.

Moreover, proper functioning of healthcare facilities in the rural pockets will help address the problem of patients rushing to general hospitals like JNIMS and RIMS for even minor health issues, he stressed.

Dr Ranjan also pointed out that as per the recommendation of World Health Organisation the doctor-patient ratio should be 1:1000 contrary to which India has only one doctor for 2000 people, thereby necessitating doubling of the healthcare professionals.

He then assured to propose to the health ministry for making healthcare service accessible and affordable to all for reduction by at-least 25 per cent of the medical care expenses will make a huge difference to the economically unsound families.

Dr Ranjan also stressed the need for creating awareness among the masses that doctors and nurses are serving the patients to their best ability so as to prevent occurrences of conflicts between the healthcare workers and patient parties.

Replying to a memorandum submitted by IMA, Manipur State Branch, Dr Ranjan said that the points in the memorandum will be discussed and appropriate steps will also be taken up on priority basis.

A memento was also presented to the minister by IMA, Manipur Branch.

Dr S Jugindro, president IMA Manipur State Branch, Shyamkumar Laishram, IMA CGP chairperson, Dr A Vivekanada, VP IMA Manipur, and Dr James Elangbam also shared the dais during the felicitation event.

Former office bearers and member doctors of IMA, Manipur State Branch were also present during the occasion.

Meanwhile, a memorandum was handed over to the chief guest by Dr S Jugindra sharing the inputs of IMA Manipur State Branch.

The chief guest also officially inaugurated the newly opened IMA South-East Manipur (SEM) local branch by handing over a certificate to the office bearers of IMA SEM local branch.

Later, Dr Sapam Ranjan donated Rs 1 lakh to the Indian Medical Association Manipur State Branch.

IMA Manipur State Branch also honoured Dr Kh Tamubi Devi, mother of Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, by presenting a shawl.

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