‘Involve public representatives in communicating best practices’ – JP Nadda

Will meet MPs soon to benefit from their insight and suggestions on ‘Mission Indradhanush’

While there is substantial amount of good work being carried out in various institutions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there is need to communicate this to the people. The people’s representatives can be involved to carry the message of schemes of the government, the best practices evolved and the work undertaken by the different institutions. This was stated by JP Nadda, Health & Family Welfare Minister at the 38th annual day celebration of the National Institute of Health & Family Welfare.

Speaking at the occasion, Nadda said that the people’s representatives not only represent the people but also interact closely with them on a regular basis. They are among the best medium to spread the message of the schemes and benefits that people can avail of under different schemes of the government. He added that in keeping with this philosophy, he is soon meeting various MPs to seek their suggestions and views on the implementation of ‘Mission Indradhanush’ which the Health Ministry will shortly launch.

The Mission Indradhanush aims to cover all those children who are either unvaccinated, or are partially vaccinated against seven vaccine preventable diseases which include diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles and hepatitis B. He informed that a Mission Mode has been adopted to achieve target of full immunisation coverage by 2020. Pointing out that health is a subject which is significantly influenced by various socio-economic determinants, Nadda urged the faculty and staff at the institute to think in a holistic manner while conducting research, and evaluation or monitoring of schemes.

Convergence of knowledge from diverse sectors will make the research and monitoring outcomes rounded and more realistic, he stated. While one can always learn from best practises around the world, the Health Minister encouraged the faculty and staff at the NIHFW to contribute to the emerging best practises in the health sector. He urged them to be attentive to the quality of research, training and other services that provide to the various healthcare providers across the country.

The minister also inaugurated the National Cold Chain and Vaccine Management Resource Centre (NCCVMRC) and a Skill Lab at the institute. The NCCVMRC will function as the nodal institution for supporting, facilitating and coordinating the cold chain and vaccine management functions of the Immunization Division of the Health Ministry. Whereas, the Skill Lab will provide training to improve the skills of healthcare providers and to enhance their capacity to provide quality RMNCH+A health services.

Present at the function were Dr Jagdish Prasad, Director General Health Services, Dr Rakesh Kumar, Jt Secretary (RCH), Prof JK Das, Director, NIHFW and senior officers of the ministry and faculty and staff of NIHFW.

EH News Bureau