Sikkim joined the world in observing the World Health Day 2018 on the theme ‘Universal Health Coverage’ with special focus towards Elimination of Tuberculosis by 2022 at Chintan Bhawan in Gangtok on Saturday.
The programme was chaired by the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling as the Chief Guest.
On the occasion, District Hospital, Namchi, District Hospital, Gyalshing, Soreng PHC, Pakyong PHC, Temi PHC and Chungthang PHC have been awarded for demonstrating high level of cleanliness, hygiene and infection free environment.
Speaking on various initiatives of the State Government in the health service, the CM mentioned that Sikkim was the first state to start Hepatitis B Vaccination and Measles vaccine and now HPV vaccine to ensure good health for the people. He expressed that the Organic Mission was a noble idea and it should be embraced and adopted for the larger good of the people.
He informed about his suggestion to the Centre to put a ban on import of chemical fertilizers to make India an Organic Country and he added that this way the government will also save money on subsidy on fertilizers. He mentioned that the State Government has been committed to the welfare of Doctors and health workers in the State.
Speaking about the eradication of TB from the State, the CM urged everyone to work together in a mission mode to make Sikkim TB Free State by 2022. He announced that Rs 3,000 per month financial assistance will be granted to TB patients. He also announced Rs 5 lakhs cash award for Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) and Rs 10 lakhs for Zilla Panchayat for becoming the first TB free GPU and Zilla Panchayat respectively.
On the occasion, the CM also launched a Mobile Medical Van to diagnose TB, Mobile Apps on Blood Donation and Denture Distribution Programme. He also released a booklet on TB, operational guideline for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination, Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2) Report and Centenary Souvenir of STNM Hospital.
Health Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Vishal Chauhan presented an overview of TB Programme in the State and highlighted various initiatives taken by the department. He mentioned that the State Government has been committed to eliminating TB by 2022. He shared that the Government of India has adopted the model of Open Defecation Free strategy of the Sikkim Government for the elimination of TB from the country.