Delhi CM launches health mission

New Delhi, Oct 2 (UNI) Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today launched the Delhi State Health Mission to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery in the state and ensure reliable and affordable service to the people.

The mission, launched by Mrs Dikshit at a function, coinciding with the 137th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, would concentrate on improvement in health services in urban slums, characterised by absence of proper housing, lack of basic amenities and lack of demand for it.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Dikshit said the Delhi State Health Mission would not only give a thrust to basic healthcare issues, but would also lay equal importance to aspects of preventive health and hygiene.

''The Delhi State Health Mission is being launched to bridge the gaps in healthcare delivery, ensure an affordable, accountable and reliable primary healthcare service and effectively handle the increased allocation for public health,''Mrs Dikshit said.

With the Chief Minister as Chairperson, Minister of Health as Co-Chairperson, Principal Secretary Health as Convener apart from official members, nominated public representatives and non-official members and experts, the Delhi State Health Mission would be the conduit for central funds, facilitate intersectoral convergence and merger of existing health societies.

It is expected that the Mission would render constructive cooperation in reduction of Infant Mortality Rate, Maternal Mortality Ratio, Total Fertility Rate, Control and Reduction of Fatality due to Malaria, Kala Azar, Filaria, Dengue and Diarrheal Diseases, reduction in blindness due to Cataract, reduction of prevalence rates of Leprosy and Tuberculosis, good quality hospital services, increased utilisation of hospitals and First Referral Units.

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