Union health minister visits aspirational Ri Bhoi district

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 15, 2023

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh L. Mandaviya on Sunday conducted an official tour in Meghalaya, with a special visit to Ri Bhoi District, which is recognized as an Aspirational District.

Accompanying the Union Health Minister during this significant visit were the Minister in charge of Health and Family Welfare for Meghalaya, Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi, Arpit Upadhayaya, Ri Bhoi Superintendent of Police, Giri Prasad, MD, NHM Ramkumar S and various officials from relevant line departments.

The tour commenced with a visit to the Health and Wellness Centre at Umsaw Nongkharai, where the Union Health Minister interacted with ASHA workers and smart card holders to gather information on the advantages they receive during illness through the innovative Smart card, a collaborative effort between the state and central governments. Subsequently, an essential review meeting took place regarding the Aspirational program in the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office at Nongpoh.

Dr Mandaviya inaugurates new facilities at NEIGRIHMS, says Govt committed to improve health infrastructre in NE region

Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh highlighted the purpose of the Union Minister’s visit during the review meeting. She underlined that the Union Minister inaugurated the Regional Cancer Centre and additional facilities at the NEIGRIHMS Hospital. Dr. Lyngdoh also emphasized that the Union Minister’s focus is on the importance of transitioning from an Aspirational District to an Inspirational District to eradicate poverty and advance comprehensive development for the well-being of the state’s people and the nation as a whole.

Mission Director, National Health Mission, Meghalaya Ramkumar S informed the Union Minister of the ongoing healthcare services available at the Umsaw Nongkharai sub-centre. He also gave an overview of the digital interventions that have been incorporated in the State for improved data entry and analysis. 

Further, the MD apprised the Health Minister about the State’s success in tapping solar energy to provide power to the Health centres. 

The Union Health Minister is on a tour to the North-eastern states – Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam for reviewing the ongoing centre-sponsored programmes and to inaugurate multiple facilities for ensuring enhanced healthcare services in the region.