Minister advises Govt doctors to work with diligence
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, December 20 2023: Health and Family Welfare minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh inaugurated the State Newborn Resource Centre, JNIMS and launched the SAANS (Social Awareness and Action to Neutralise Pneumonia Successfully) Campaign 2023-24 at the conference hall of JNIMS on Wednesday.

Speaking as the chief guest of inaugural function, Dr Ranjan mentioned that pneumonia is a common, preventable and treatable disease if precautionary steps are taken at the right time.

Since the disease is preventable, the department is emphasising on spreading awareness among the people, he informed, while expressing sorrow over the deaths of 17 infants due to the disease between April to November this year.

The minister then highlighted the need for poster campaign to raise awareness about the disease in every nook and corner of the state.

To achieve this, the department can also utilise social media platforms.

Additionally, Dr Ranjan acknowledged the crucial role played by the ASHAs at the grassroots level, praising their commendable work during the COVID-19 pandemic and their contribution in making the 'Chief Minister Health for All' scheme successful.

He also urged the media fraternity to actively participate in raising awareness about the disease among the general public.

While urging government doctors to stay put at their respective hospitals during office hours to avoid the issue of absence of doctors in government hospitals; the health minister said that newly inaugurated New Born Resource Centre is the first of its kind in the northeast region.

The Centre would not only be of great assistance to newborns but also provide relevant training with regard to care of newborns.

Dr Ranjan then assured that the government is trying its level best to plug all the gaps of JNIMS, adding that discussion is being held for establishing a Department of Medical Education under the Institute so as to ensure effective supervision.

Delivering the keynote speech, Child Health, NHM SNO Dr Shadhana Ningthoujam informed that children below five years of age often get pneumonia during winter, with fatalities being reported from across the county.

However, the respiratory infection is preventable and the SAANS Campaign launched in this regard, will be observed till February next year.

Urging parents/guardians to observe their children for any related symptoms and take them to health facilities in timely manner, Dr Shadhana emphasised the role played by ASHAs in this regard.

She informed that around 307 pneumonia cases were diagnosed from April to November this year, of which 217 were brought for treatment, while 17 could not be saved due to belated admission and treatment.

The programme, organised by Child Health Division, SHS, National Health Mission, was attended by Health Services director br Khoirom Sasheekumar Mangang as president while JNIMS director Prof Laishram Deben Singh, NHM state mission director Dr Somorjit Ningombam and JNIMS MS Prof Kh Lokeshwar were the guests of honour.

As part of the programme, the health minister launched the poster for SAANS Campaign 2023-24 .

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