Our Correspondent
Kohima, Dec 13 (EMN): The healthcare workers were reminded of the need for consistent progress towards a more equitable and healthy society on the occasion of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day on Monday.
The Universal Health Coverage Day-cum-ASHA Felicitation programme of Kohima district was held at Para-medical Training Institute (PMTI) Conference Hall in Kohima on the theme, 'Leave no One's Health behind: Invest in Health Systems for all'.
Addressing the programme, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Kohima, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo said that the theme of the event calls on leaders to protect everyone in the midst of a worldwide pandemic.
She said that the day was observed to strengthen the Healthcare system starting with Primary Health Care in order to ensure ‘healthier lives for everyone by ensuring that people have access to affordable, preventive, curative and rehabilitate health services among others’. ‘Everyone, everywhere; you, me, our families, communities, our economy, our world, everyone -- UHC basically means to describe healthcare that is available to a large portion of the population,’ she added.
Meanwhile, she pointed out that the occasion provides an opportunity to assess progress and highlight gaps in ensuring everyone the access to the healthcare they require, close to home and without financial burden.
Further, she stated that it is also a day dedicated to thinking about what needs to be done next in order to make consistent and meaningful progress toward a more equitable and healthy society.
The doctor said that ‘the guide aims to share specific tools to help you call on policy and decision makers to focus on improving any and all of the three pillars of a healthy system for universal health coverage - a joint vision for healthy lives (joint vision): service delivery, health financing and governance’.
Pointing out the importance of UHC, she said that its strategies enable everyone to access the services that address the most significant causes of disease and death, and ensures quality services to the people.
She then highlighted the ‘Ayushman Bharat', India's Health Mission launched in 2018 that provides free access to healthcare and financial risk protection to poor and vulnerable families through its complementary schemes, Health and Wellness Centres and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), while calling for greater participation of the citizens and health workers.
The official also stressed on the need to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goals 2030 in ensuring health for all.
The State Programme Officer (SPO) of National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), Dr. Puse Liegise, who also spoke during the programme, highlighted the health promotion activities and objectives and called for more efforts.
On the occasion, three outstanding Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) – Kavitoli, ASHA Naga Bazaar; Arenla, ASHA Agri-Forest; and Nucivolu, ASHA New Market -- were recognised and awarded at the event. Consultant of NUHM Kohima, Subonglemla, gave away the awards to the recipients.