Obvious is the importance of the proverb “Health is Wealth.” On a larger scale, health citizens contribute to the developing stature of a nation, such which the Arunachal Pradesh administration recognizes. With this wisdom, the state has ventured forth on a pathway toward the betterment of the healthcare system and services for the good of its citizens. Moving forward, let us discuss the various large-scale projects and steps made by the Arunachal Pradesh government concerning the health and well-being of its people.
Investment into Health Sector:
The Arunachal Pradesh government has demonstrated its commitment to providing good healthcare by investing heavily in numerous schemes and activities.
- Mukhya Mantri Nasha Mukti Yojana: The grant for this scheme is increased to a whopping Rs. 20 crore, which reflects the government’s true commitment to the fight against substance abuse and addiction.
- Dulari Kanya Scheme: An admirable allocation of Rs. 4 crores has been allotted for the benefit of the girl child, demonstrating the importance of gender equality and empowerment.
- Renal Care Fund: This will improve the quality of services for advanced renal care treatments for the people of Arunachal Pradesh significantly by means of a fund of 4 crore.
- Simulation Skill Labs: By spending Rs.50 lakhs, this project will be providing training and skill improvement for health care professionals so as to ensure high-quality medical treatment.
- Grant-in-Aid for Asha workers: An investment in the budget of Rs. 9 crores will go towards the benefit and empowerment of these essential community health workers.
- Chief Minister Arogya Arunachal Yojana: An allocation of Rs. 20 crore ensures a sumptuous program for providing comprehensive health care coverage and timely medical treatment for the people of Arunachal.
- Mukhya Mantri Rogi Kalyan Kosh: An earmarked fund with a budget of Rs. 10 crore will relieve the burden on needy patients arising out of sudden medical emergencies.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Units and Sick Newborn Care Units: A budget of Rs. 2 crore will support the establishment of these units for the benefit of newborns.
Healthcare Infrastructure Development:
The government has made giant steps improving healthcare infrastructure in the area –
- Upgrading Bakin Pertin General Hospital, Pasighat: With a grant of Rs 20 crore, the Pasighat hospital is being turned into a 300-bed facility to provide better access to healthcare services.
- Providing DNB Courses: Under an outlay of Rs. 1.5 crores, government plans to run Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses in various health care institutions promoting the culture of medical education and expertise among the youth.
- Bike and Auto Ambulance Pilot Project: New initiative with an investment of Rs 1 crore aimed at providing first-aid and paramedic services in remote areas so as to save lives in time of need.
- Upgradation of Health Centres: An amount of Rs 20 crore will be used to upgrade several health centres across the state so that healthcare comes to the people.
- TRIHMS (Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences):
- The health care institution would be strengthened by an impressive grant of Rs 50-acre.
- Rs 50 lakhs will be used for upgrading of Medical College to accommodate 110 MBBS seats, which shall greatly improve medical education in the state.
- Another investment of Rs.50 lakhs shall go towards establishing a new urology center, thus augmenting the domain of specialized medical services given to patients in need of critical care.
- Free Chemotherapy: Besides an allocation of Rs. 6 crores, the beneficiaries of this free chemotherapy are to be cancer patients, thus reducing their financial burden.
The government of Arunachal Pradesh is also actively engaging innovative practices and international collaboration in some very vital areas to improve the healthcare sector. Among these programs is the ‘Medicine from the Sky’ initiative, using drones to fast-track delivery of medicines, especially in far-off areas. They are also strengthening the disease control mechanisms through the NCDC State Centre, offering in-service training for medical personnel, that is, doctors, nurses and paramedics. Besides, they are also helping nurses learn Japanese to enhance their skills by breaking the language barrier. The state aims to integrate the supply of oxygen in times of medical emergencies under the Aatmanirbhar Arunachal Oxford Grid. Modernization of primary health centers (PHC) and community health centers (CHC) is taking place under the Chief Minister’s Health Emergency Life Protection Suvidha program while also strengthening zonal hospitals in effectively managing emergencies thereby transforming 40 health centres into “Golden Jubilee” facilities in all. Another priority in the administration is the effective management and upkeep of health facilities. In addition, they are constructing a district hospital in Doimukh with a 40-bed capacity and strengthening emergency services by equipping two ambulances for patient transport in each district. The Arunachal Pradesh government is advocating for renewable energy in the healthcare sector under the SuBaH Initiative.
Conclusion
Arunachal Pradesh is steadily advancing in strengthening the quality of healthcare services for its people by its tireless effort to support the state’s healthcare systems through infrastructure, services, and innovation. This interest of the state in the area of health and wellness is indeed commendable since investing in health care means investing in the future of the state.
