The Minister for Health and Family Welfare P Paiwang Konyak, has urged a collective and coordinated approach to support the one-year ban on tobacco across the state.
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DIMAPUR — The Minister for Health and Family Welfare P Paiwang Konyak, has urged a collective and coordinated approach to support the one-year ban on tobacco across the state.
Speaking during a high-level review meeting of the Department of Health and Family Welfare at the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare in Kohima on June 9, the minister stressed the need for a collective and coordinated approach towards public health and called upon civil society organisations, churches, and community leaders to extend their wholehearted support to the proposed one-year ban on tobacco.
According to a DIPR report, the minister further urged all stakeholders to cooperate closely with the district administration and police authorities to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of the initiative.
Reviewing the department’s performance and ongoing programmes, including preparedness for the Ebola outbreak, a review of the 100-day mission under NQAS, and the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan campaign, Paiwang directed the department to strengthen its outreach at the district level, enhance service delivery, and ensure that government healthcare initiatives effectively reach the grassroots population.
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On the Ebola outbreak, State Nodal Officer of IDSP Dr. Nyan Kikon apprised the house that no Ebola case has been detected in Nagaland so far. The department, however, has been directed to maintain heightened surveillance, strengthen preparedness at all levels, and ensure prompt response mechanisms are in place as a precautionary measure.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing projects, including the Mon Medical College, NIMSR Kohima, projects under PM-DevINE, and externally aided projects (EAP) under NHP III.
The projects in the pipeline, such as the setting up of trauma centres in various district hospitals, the upgradation of the state mental health institute into a centre of excellence, the establishment of the state cancer institute, the state allied health institute, the upgradation of NIMSR, and the establishment of a new AIIMS at Naga Ki, were also reviewed, while a team of consultants from JICA briefed the house on NIMSR.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has acknowledged Paiwang for registering as a Ni-Kshay Mitra under the Prime Minister’s TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
By becoming a Ni-Kshay Mitra, the minister has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting persons undergoing tuberculosis (TB) treatment through nutritional and other food supplements.
The initiative aims to improve treatment outcomes and enhance the well-being of TB patients while advancing the nation’s goal of eliminating tuberculosis.
The recognition reflects the Minister’s dedication to public health and his active contribution towards the vision of a TB-Free India, encouraging greater community participation in the fight against tuberculosis.