Shillong, Aug 26: Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar on Friday visited East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat, Meghalaya to review the progress of the implementation of various central government schemes.
The Minister noted that the schemes are performing well in Meghalaya. She stated that some schemes are doing well, like MGNREGA with a 99 per cent success rate. “Last year, we received a budget of 33 crores for MGNREGA, benefiting more than 25,000 households. This year, we are providing the budget as per the increased demand.” She added that MGNREGA is particularly successful in the East Jaintia Hills District.
Discussing PM Awas Yojana, aimed at providing houses for the needy, the Minister said the budget sanctioned covers 882 households. Dr Pawar informed that efforts are on to allocate additional budget for more pucca houses.
She also appreciated the proper implementation of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) in the district, which supports people through Self Help Groups (SHGs). Stating that SHGs are a positive government initiative, Dr Pawar said that malnourished children are identified through the SHGs for health checkups by the health department in remote areas.
Dr Pawar further highlighted that the Public Works Department (PWD) allocated Rs. 126 crores last year for constructing a 39-km road connecting eight villages. This road will benefit residents along the India-Bangladesh border and is targeted for completion within the next year and a half.
Regarding Primary Health Care (PHC) centres, the Minister mentioned that the budget has increased from Rs. 1.80 cr in 2022 to Rs. 2.60 cr this year. She explained that the centre under Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission has allocated budgets of Rs 1.23 cr and Rs 2.20 cr for strengthening Diagnostic labs and Sub-centres, respectively.
“The Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY), the largest insurance scheme, provides up to five lakhs for family tertiary care. Till date, 17,000 patients from the district have benefited from emergency treatment and operations, with claims totalling over 10 crores,” Dr Pawar informed.
She also mentioned the centre’s efforts in tuberculosis elimination at PHC and Health and Wellness Centres (HWC). “We are providing free treatment at home through PHCs. With HWCs, our aim is to screen for breast cancer, cervical cancer, hypertension, diabetes, etc.,” she said.
The Minister also thanked the State administrators for achieving 88 per cent institutional delivery so far in the current year. “The institutional recovery increased from 54 per cent in the year 2021-22 to 76 per cent last year. This year, it is about 88 per cent. We aim to provide institutional delivery facilities and reach high-risk groups. Regarding HIV, our goal is to offer medicines, counselling, lab tests, etc., through ART centres,” she said.
She also informed that the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) provided Rs. 3 crores to 180 families. “PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi benefits 10,000 farmers, providing Rs. 6000 directly to their bank accounts,” she added, mentioning the coverage of Jal Jeevan Mission. “In the district, we cover about 192 villages. Out of this, nearly 42 villages have been completed. We are providing 186 crores for providing fresh water to the people,” she informed.
Similarly, the central government has granted over Rs. 7 crores to support fisheries in Meghalaya, she added.
The Minister, post her review meeting, also visited Dkhiah Village Health & Wellness Centre and interacted with the ANMs, ASHA and other Health workers. At Tuber Kmaishnong Village, Dr Pawar interacted with Village Health Council Members.
Also read: PM Narendra Modi gifts Meghalaya shawl to Greece Prime Minister’s spouse
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