SRINAGAR: National Health Mission (NHM) Mission Director Athar Amir Ul Shafi Khan on Tuesday reviewed healthcare delivery, financial progress, human resources and infrastructure projects across Jammu and Kashmir, stressing efficient fund utilisation and stronger monitoring of public health services.
The introductory review meeting assessed annual financial planning, resource allocation and expenditure patterns, alongside the implementation of various health programmes and infrastructure projects.
The meeting reviewed maternal and child health indicators, with officials highlighting institutional deliveries and antenatal care coverage supported by Central and Union Territory government schemes.
The functioning of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which provide primary healthcare services, essential medicines, diagnostics and teleconsultations, also came under review.
Progress on major infrastructure projects, including Critical Care Blocks, Integrated Public Health Laboratories and Block Public Health Units, was assessed, with emphasis on completing the works on time and strengthening critical care facilities.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and the introduction of Diplomate of National Board postgraduate courses at district hospitals and community health centres. The programmes were highlighted as measures to address shortages of specialists and reduce avoidable referrals to tertiary care hospitals.
Officials also reviewed the functioning of the 102/108 ambulance network, free dialysis services under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme, the Tele-MANAS mental health helpline and the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).
Khan directed officials to accelerate quality assurance certification of healthcare facilities and strengthen monitoring at the grassroots level. He also stressed coordination among departments and improvements in medical supply chains to enhance service delivery.
The functioning of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) programme, Tele-Sanjeevani and direct benefit transfer (DBT) schemes was also flagged for focused attention.
Senior NHM officials, including the Director Planning, Financial Advisor and Chief Accounts Officer, state and divisional nodal officers, programme managers and other functionaries, attended the meeting.
