Health needs of North Eastern India to get priority

New Delhi, July 3 : Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss today said that North Eastern States are a priority area for revamping of health infrastructure.

Keeping in mind the special needs of the region, the Central Government is actively considering revised guidelines for North East with regard to establishment of medical colleges, Ramadoss assured Meghalaya Chief Minister Donkupar Roy who called on him late last evening.

Ramadoss said that the relaxation regarding number of beds and patient load are under consideration for establishing medical colleges in North Eastern region.

With regard to the State's request for change in selection criteria for North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong, he said, "The proposal will be considered in the context of norms and requirements of similar autonomous institutions established by the Government of India."

The Minister also encouraged the Meghalaya Government to establish nursing colleges to meet the growing requirement.

"The Central Government will provide due support for such colleges," he added.

Recognizing the mosquito menace, he emphasised an improved infrastructure for malaria control.

He assured the Chief Minister that the Union Government is actively working to ensure malaria offices in all the districts of North Eastern States.

Ramadoss who was accompanied by the State's Health Minister, Dr. A. Pariong appraised the Union Health Minister about the status and requirements of the State Health infrastructure.

Ramadoss reiterated the need for sincerely implementing the initiatives under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). He asked the Chief Minister to personally monitor the progress of the NRHM in the State and suggested that a review of the programme should be conducted at the Chief Minister level every three month.

ANI