After having ranked 27th in the health rankings a week ago, Gwalior city has now reached a far better 7th rank due to the relentless efforts of the District Administration and the Health Department under the supervision of the District Collector Anurag Chaudhary. The rankings are given for health related factors and health outcomes.
During a departmental review meeting on the July 7, Collector Anurag Chaudhary had reviewed the efforts and results of the Dastak Abhiyan. Under the Dastak Abhiyan, the administration aims at providing better health oriented care for infants. The purpose of the campaign is to make sure that every child in the district is systematically monitored for its health.
During the meeting the collector expressed his displeasure over the attitude of the health officials in shying away from their responsibility of making the campaign successful. He opined that the ranking of 27 was a matter of great concern and shame for the district.
He also said that it has come to his notice that some officials have been lacking commitment as far as health issues especially that of children are concerned. Taking a stern view of the situation he had asked the officials to make sure that all health related matters are addressed immediately and earnestly. The collector further told the officials that Dastak Abhiyan needs to be taken up as a challenge if young children are to be freed from fatal diseases and malnutrition.
He also asked the CMHO Dr Mudul Saxena to take adequate and immediate steps to improve the health situation, and along with it the rankings and inform him about the daily progress of the work done by the Dastak Abhiyan team across the district.
Subsequently, Saxena and his team fixed up a target for themselves and visited as many houses as possible providing information regarding the health of children. The team also identified children under the age of 5 who have been suffering from pediatric diseases. A few children have been admitted in the various government hospitals for better treatment.