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KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Dr. Rakesh Minhas today chaired a meeting to review the health services scenario in the district. The meeting was attended by PO ICDS Shokat Mahmood; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vijay Raina; District Tuberculosis Officer Dr. Radhakrishnan; BMOs and concerned officers and officials of health & POSHAN department.

Explaining the district health care profile through powerpoint presentation, the official from Health Department apprised that a total of 252 health institutions including 5 CHCs, 24 PHCs, and 153 Sub-Centres are functioning in the district in addition to the premier institute of GMC Kathua. A threadbare discussion was held on various issues like availability of Health Infra, Health Care achievements, Patient care, FW and Immunization and other related issues.

The DC also took feedback about the implementation of various schemes and programmes under the National Health Mission, including RBSK, VHND besides saturation of AB-PMJAY. The DC asked for focusing on efficient delivery of health services in all health institutions to facilitate the public. He also called for 100% saturation of AB-PMJAY beneficiaries along with ABHA registration.

Expressing his concern over low institutional deliveries in the district, the DC asked the concerned to work out a mechanism for intervention and inter-departmental coordination to improve maternal and child care facilities. He called for enquiring the reasons behind prevalence of Home deliveries and increasing the institutional deliveries. While discussing the check on the ultrasonography clinics, the DC called upon concerned officers to ensure no illegal practices shall prevail in the district.

On the issue of documenting Patient Hypertension & TB Screening form, the DC Called for proper training of staff involved and suggested adding Occupation field along with Smoking History of the individuals in the form so as to have a comprehensive database. The DC asked the department to expedite the screening and complete the process in 2 months.

While reviewing the status of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) children, the DC called for bringing the cases out by making improvements in their nutrition and providing other necessary assistance. The DC also called for sharing of Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) and Health Management Information System (HMIS) data with ICDS Department on monthly basis which will make tracking of pregnant women/deliveries easier.

The DC also urged the BMOs to enquire and know the reasons behind home deliveries besides focusing on increasing surgery rate (Major Surgeries) in CHCs thus helping the maximum number of people. The meeting also discussed the status of Family Planning, Status of immunisation, Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana - for senior citizens aged 70 and above, NHM financial Progress, NTEP and Adult BCG Vaccination.

It was also given out in the meeting that Distribution of medicine (Iron tablets) to children and Women visiting the AWCs should take place in presence of Staff of Health Department during VHND. The DC said these programmes will benefit maximum people when done in convergence with active involvement of all stakeholders.

The DC emphasized the need for convergence and active involvement of all stakeholders to maximize the benefits of healthcare programmes. The meeting ended with the resolution that all health units will bring qualitative change in the delivery of health services for the welfare of the common masses.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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