Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari chaired a review meeting of the department here on Friday. All the top officials of the department and all the civil surgeons of the state were present in this meeting, where the Health Minister reiterated his resolve to improve the health system and gave strict instructions.
Dr. Ansari said, "The state of Jharkhand has got a Health Minister in the form of a doctor. I will not tolerate any kind of negligence in health care. Officers who do good work will be rewarded, but strict action will be taken on mistakes. I have come to this department with a new thinking, and my aim is to improve the health services of Jharkhand. Need the cooperation of all of you."
He also said that at present the health department seems to be limited to papers only. "I am committed to change this system. This meeting is an important step in that direction," he said.
Giving important instructions and making announcements the Minister said that RIMS-2 will be constructed in Jharkhand at a cost of Rs 1000 crore. This hospital will not only be on the lines of Delhi but will also inspire hospitals in Delhi by becoming a model of Jharkhand.
He gave strict instructions to stop the practice of keeping the dead body after the death of the patients. The government will soon issue an order on this.
Dr Ansari said that 1000 Primary Health Centers (PHC) will be built across the state so that health facilities can reach rural and remote areas. All the current agencies will be canceled and new agencies will be selected within 10 days. About 200 hospital managers will be appointed in hospitals across the state.
All Sadar hospitals will be equipped with modern facilities and modular operation theaters (OT) will be built in each district. MRI and CT scan machines will be made available in all hospitals within a week.
OPD service will also be started in the evening for the convenience of the patients. Doctors will sit in two shifts. Private doctors will also be appointed if required so that adequate doctors are available in all hospitals.
The way has been cleared for the construction of medical college in Jamtara. Soon a team will go from Ranchi for site inspection. The government will ensure that health services are available in every corner of Jharkhand. Mohalla clinics will be replaced by modern ones as advised by the chief minister.
Dr Ansari said, "I want to bring Jharkhand's health system out of papers and onto the ground. This is possible only when officials work with full honesty and integrity."
At the end of the meeting, the minister instructed all officials that their responsibility towards the people of Jharkhand is paramount. "Together we will create a Jharkhand where healthcare becomes an example," he said.