Climate change abetting water scarcity: Health Minister
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, March 27 2023: Health & IPR minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh has stated that the problem of water scarcity is related with climate change.

Speaking as the chief guest of a State Level Workshop on Strengthening Urban Primary Health Care, organised by Directorate of Health Services in collaboration with State Health Society and Programme for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) at Sangai hall of Hotel Imphal, here, on Monday, Dr Ranjan reminded all concerned that climate change and environment degradation are creating a critical situation for the people, including impact on human health such as mental issue.

With reference to lifting of water from Loktak lake in Bishnupur district up to Malom, Imphal West through River Lift Irrigation for supplying to the public, he pointed out that such an unprecedented initiative is fallout of environmental degradation, he added.

The minister continued that urban health care service is a turning point which gives a new challenge to the public health care system.

The government is also takirtg up necessary steps to prevent outbreak of dis eases in urban areas where there are dense population, which, in turn leads to increased air pollution, water borne diseases and lifestyle diseases.

Organising workshops on such topics such as climate change and human health will help to enlighten the medical professionals and general public so as to bring ecological balance, he informed.

While conveying that the state government would be carrying out mass tree plan tation drives ahead of the monsoon season, Dr Ranjan emphasised on the benefits of the newly launched project and urged for close coordination amongst health officials to ensure the Success of all projects that have been and will be taken up in the state.

Presiding over the pro gramme, additional chief secretary (health) V Vumlu nmang statedthat as health insurance schemes have been introduced in the state for improving health care of the public, the health care staffers need to interact with the urban people and address their issues in time.

Health care in urban areas is really a challenge, conceded the bureaucrat.

During the technical session of the workshop, PATH, Health System Strengthening South Asia lead Dr Swathi Mahajan spoke on the roles to be taken up by PATH in strengthening the urban health system in Manipur, while NPCCHH SNO Dr Y Niveda spoke on 'State action plan for climate change'.

NHM director Dr Somorjit Ningombam attended the event as guest of honour, along with officials from the Health Department.

State Health Society, doctors and others.

Projects on strengthening Urban Health Care in Manipur, Chatbot on Mental Health and State Action Plan for Climate Change and Health were also launched by the dignitaries on the occasion.

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