logo
Ludhiana: Punjab health minister inspects civil hospital

Ludhiana: Punjab health minister inspects civil hospital

Hindustan Times24-06-2025
Jun 24, 2025 05:40 AM IST
Health and family welfare minister of Punjab, Dr Balbir Singh reached the civil hospital here on Monday to inspect the facilities and assess the quality of services at the facility. Punjab health minister Balbir Singh interacting with patients in Ludhiana on Monday. (HT Photo)
During the inspection, the minister took serious note of recent incidents of theft, including the stolen cover of water tanks, allegedly removed with malicious intent. Expressing strong disapproval, the minister immediately directed police officials to take swift action and ensure the culprits are arrested at the earliest. He emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of malpractice or negligence in public health institutions.
Dr Balbir toured various wards during the visit, interacting with patients and their families to gather firsthand feedback on hospital services. He assured them of the government's commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring accessible, quality treatment for all.
Issuing a stern warning against corruption, the health minister declared, 'If any employee is found taking bribes for work, strict disciplinary action will be taken immediately.' He urged hospital staff to uphold integrity and reminded them, 'This is your hospital, and it is your responsibility to run it with honesty and dedication.'
He instructed the hospital authorities to ensure that all facilities are well-maintained and that patient care remains the top priority.
Speaking on dengue prevention, the minister stated that health department teams are actively conducting door-to-door inspections to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and raise awareness about symptoms and preventive measures. He appealed to the public to actively participate in the 'Har Shukarvaar, Dengue Te Vaar' campaign and follow departmental instructions to help curb the spread of the disease.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

A comprehensive effort to contain sickle cell disease
A comprehensive effort to contain sickle cell disease

Hindustan Times

timean hour ago

  • Hindustan Times

A comprehensive effort to contain sickle cell disease

Many within India's tribal communities have been silently battling the debilitating genetic disorder known as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). For decades, this condition has taken a toll on their health and socioeconomic development, exacerbated further by geographic isolation and limited access to health care. Recognising this dire need, the Union government launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) in July 2023. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to not only eliminate sickle cell genetic transmission but also restore dignity and health to millions affected by this condition. In its first two years, the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission has yielded remarkable results, with joint efforts of MoHFW and the states, with over 60.7 million individuals have been screened across more than 300 districts in 17 high-prevalence states. (HT Archive) Sickle cell disease alters the shape of red blood cells, impairing their oxygen-carrying capacity and leading to severe health complications over time. Among tribal populations, the impact is profound, as they are disproportionately affected by this genetic disorder. According to Global Burden of Disease figures (2021), an estimated 82,500 births with SCD occur in India. The National Health Policy 2017 laid the groundwork for addressing this crisis. Building on this, the 2023 budget announced the NSCAEM, setting a target to screen 70 million individuals under 40 years by FY26. The activity was implemented under the ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW), making it one of the largest population-based genetic screening programmes globally. The mission also aims to eliminate genetic transmission of SCD by 2047 while providing comprehensive care to those already afflicted. In its first two years, this mission has yielded remarkable results, with joint efforts of MoHFW and the states. As on July 31, over 60.7 million individuals have been screened across more than 300 districts in 17 high-prevalence states. Among those screened, 216,000 individuals were found to suffer from the disease, while 1.69 million were identified as carriers. Analysis reveals that 95% of cases are concentrated in five states: Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. The story of Meena, a young tribal girl from Nawapara Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, is emblematic of the mission's impact. Diagnosed during the screening drive, Meena was enrolled in a nearby health sub-centre. The trained Community Health Officer (CHO), auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) and ASHA worker at the sub-centre ensured that she had access to free hydroxyurea, the drug that significantly alleviated the symptoms of SCD. Today, Meena leads a healthier life and is an advocate for genetic counselling in her community. To accelerate screening efforts, point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic devices approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have been deployed. Initially limited to three, the number of approved kits has now expanded to over 30, reducing costs dramatically from ₹100 to ₹28 per kit. This initiative has ensured cost-effective and efficient diagnostic capabilities. The implementation of this mission is not solely focused on screening; it prioritises holistic care for individuals diagnosed with SCD. Management interventions under the mission include free health care services with access to essential medicines and diagnostics, hydroxyurea, a key drug for managing SCD, is added to the National Essential Drug list (EDL). The mission also emphasises genetic counselling and public awareness as pivotal strategies for eliminating SCD. Over 26.2 million genetic status cards have been distributed, empowering individuals with critical health information. SCD cards have become a vital tool for informed decision-making, enabling families to make choices that reduce the risk of genetic transmission. Fifteen health care institutions/medical colleges have been selected to establish Centres of Excellence (CoEs), as per guidelines laid down by the MoHFW, and funding support from the ministry of tribal affairs. These institutions focus on prenatal diagnosis and management of severe SCD complications, ensuring specialised care for at-risk families. Additionally, a National Level Training of Trainers (ToT) programme organised in October 2024 has equipped health care professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to address the complexities of SCD management effectively. The success of NSCAEM is underpinned by the whole-of-government approach, by which MoHFW is involving the tribal affairs, social justice & empowerment, education, and women & child development ministries. This inter-ministerial coordination ensures holistic implementation, addressing the socio-cultural and geographic dimensions of tribal health. Research-backed interventions, supported by the department of health research of the MoHFW, have further enhanced cost-effectiveness and patient outcomes. While the achievements are commendable, MoHFW has now shifted focus to future priorities for the mission. The immediate focus will be on expanding genetic counselling, public awareness campaigns, and distribution of genetic status cards. Leveraging community-level platforms will be crucial in ensuring that every carrier and diseased individual receives the care and support they need. Enhanced research efforts will provide actionable insights to refine interventions further. The true spirit of this mission lies in its motto: 'Supporting our fighters, strengthening our survivors, and standing by our warriors.' By combining political will, scientific innovation, and grassroots implementation, India is poised to eliminate sickle cell anaemia and transform the lives of millions. As India strides confidently towards its 2047 goal of eliminating SCD, the NSCAEM stands as a beacon of hope. It exemplifies what can be achieved when government, healthcare professionals, and communities unite for a common cause. India's fight against sickle cell anaemia is not just about combating a genetic disorder — it is a commitment to equity, dignity, and the health of our nation's most marginalised groups. With the experience of individuals like Meena guiding the way, the mission serves as a testament to the transformative power of targeted health care initiatives, marking a historic leap in addressing tribal health challenges. Jagat Prakash Nadda is the Union minister for health and family welfare. The views expressed are personal.

16 years on, state promises to maintain district-wise eye donation waitlist
16 years on, state promises to maintain district-wise eye donation waitlist

Hindustan Times

time17 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

16 years on, state promises to maintain district-wise eye donation waitlist

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government on Thursday told the Bombay high court that it will begin maintaining a district-wise database of patients waiting for an eye transplant at transplantation centres across the state. Bombay High Court at Fort (HT Archives) (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT PHOTO) The court was hearing the public interest litigation (PIL) initiated by Sampat Shetty in 2009, stating that the state uses only 14% of the total eyes donated by people who died a natural death in old age. The petition sought the formation of an advisory committee, as mandated under Section 13-A of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, and the preparation of a list of applicants for transplantation of human organs. On July 7, the division bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne disposed of the PIL. Responding to the petition, the high court had issued directions in December 2011 for the state to prepare a district-wise list of applicants for human organ transplantation, particularly eyes, or a list of all eye banks within districts. In 2014, the court noted expert committee findings to the same effect. The guidelines laid down by the expert committee recommended creating a district-level detailed database and mandating submission of waitlist lists by eye transplantation centres to the district program manager on the first day of each month. However, in the same year, the court observed that the advisory committee mandated under the act, although constituted in March 2012, had not held a single meeting till 2014, when its term ended. The advisory authority under the 1994 Act mainly issues and revokes licenses to hospitals for the removal and transplantation of human organs. It also sets standards for the hospitals that engage in such activities and carries out quality inspections. Aligning with the expert committee guidelines, the state government has now agreed to maintain the database on the Public Health Department's website and regularly update it.

Mahavir Civil Hospital gets state-of-art thalassemia ward
Mahavir Civil Hospital gets state-of-art thalassemia ward

Time of India

timea day ago

  • Time of India

Mahavir Civil Hospital gets state-of-art thalassemia ward

Ludhiana: Taking a big step towards specialised healthcare services, Punjab health and family welfare minister Dr Balbir Singh inaugurated a fully equipped modern thalassemia ward at Lord Mahavir Civil Hospital in the city Sunday. This ward will provide regular blood transfusions, specialised counselling, and modern treatment facilities to hundreds of patients from Ludhiana and neighbouring districts, said an official statement. The health minister said thalassemia has been completely eradicated in many countries,, and Punjab is moving towards the same goal. Under this mission, bone marrow transplant services were initiated with funds provided by Coal India. With the collaboration of CMC, the Punjab govt is conducting free surgeries for thalassemia patients. The minister emphasised that this ward is not just a medical facility but a symbol of hope, compassion, and progress. No child or family should be deprived of treatment due to financial or social barriers. The Punjab govt will continue to invest in modern healthcare infrastructure, expert medical teams, and patient support services to ensure the best possible outcomes, he assured. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like M3M Great Freedom Sale – Mega Sales for Luxury Homes M3M India Book Now Undo The Minister also appealed to people to join the "Har Shukarvaar Dengue Te Vaar" campaign and praised the dedicated contributions of 20,000 ASHA workers and nursing students who are actively working across the state to control vector-borne diseases. On this occasion, MLAs Ashok Prashar Pappi, Kulwant Singh Sidhu, SDM Jasleen Kaur Bhular, Civil Surgeon Dr Ramandeep Kaur, along with Dicky Chabbra, Vimmy Bajaj, Anu Gupta, Simrat Kathuria, Jazz Bhogal, and Nisha Sharma were present. It was with the support of the Philanthropy Club, Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store