Nagaland Health Project, Malaria Elimination (NVBDCP), Rashtriya Swasthya BimaYojana (RSBY) and Jan Aushadhi (Generic Drugs) for 11 districts was launched at a function held at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima on Thursday with Minister Health and Family Welfare, P. Longon as chief guest, reports DIPR.
Operations Officer, World Bank, Amith NagarajBhatulla, who delivered the keynote address maintained that community was at the forefront of the project and the efforts to implement it were immense as indicated by the fact that preparation of the programme took almost five years with many challenges both at the centre and the state. He called on the department to harness the highest level of participation from other departments for the success of the project.
Nutrition Specialist, World Bank, Mohini Kak, spoke on the technical aspects of the project and pointed out that the project was the first of its kind in the North East.
She said the World Bank has never been into any state specific project prior to the Nagaland Health Project, that was designed for and implemented by the state.
She said the Nagaland Health Project has a great potential , pointing that additional funds of 48 million dollars including 12 million dollars which will be an addition to the current amount the government was to invest in health sector in the state, would boost investment and innovation. She reiterated the World Bank’s assistance and involvement in making the project a success calling the same from the state.
Chief guest medical minister P.Longon expressed hope that the project will assist the department in improving the health services and undertaking activities that would contribute to the improvement of the same for all sections of the society in the state. He appealed the World Bank and the Govt. of India to consider the options for extension of the programme from the current 5-6 years.
He said malaria remained a public health problem in the country and the state, and called for intensified effort to prevent and eliminate the disease. He expressed hope that the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) in India 2016- 2030, which was brought out by the Directorate of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) will enable the successful elimination of the disease.
Brief presentation on Nagaland Health Project and Malaria Elimination were given by Project Director, Nagaland Health Project, Dr. Vizolie Suokhrie and SPO, NVBDCP, Dr. Kevichusa Medikhru respectively. Head of Department, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. N. Bendangyanger Jamir delivered the welcome address, while Principal Secretary, Government of Nagaland, Menukhol John gave the closing remarks. The Chief Guest later handed away the ‘Result Based Financing Award’ and the ‘Kayakalp Award’ to the various health centres.