JALANDHAR.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal today directed the health department to extend maximum benefit under Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojna so that people can avail free-of-cost healthcare services under this scheme.
Accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Sunil Fogat, Additional Deputy Commissioner Budhi Raj Singh, Civil Surgeon Dr. Gurmeet, Dr. Aggarwal reviewed the progress of key health initiatives in the district. The Deputy Commissioner directed the health department to display the services under the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojna across 63 empanelled hospitals and update the NIC website with a list of healthcare institutions. Notably, the district has already covered 2,76,655 beneficiaries under this scheme, offering free healthcare up to Rs. 5 lakh. He also asked the doctors to make concerted efforts to make this scheme a huge success in Jalandhar by covering a maximum number of beneficiaries.
Reviewing the National TB Elimination Program, the DC said that the health department has screened 86,585 individuals from a mapped vulnerable population of 2.84 lakh. He mentioned that after the screening, proper treatment of patients to be ensured by the health officials. The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the district's drug de-addiction program, noting that 22 centers have treated 1,777 OPD patients and admitted 274 for further care. He also asked the doctors to have a detailed discussion with the drug-affected patients so that a compiled list of drug hotshots can be prepared which will also help anti-drug measures.
Dr. Aggarwal also stressed strict enforcement of the PNDT Act to curb female foeticide. He highlighted zero-tolerance against such cases in the district while mentioning over 588 inspections by health departments at scanning centres with the notice issued to one centre for discrepancies. He also directed to further improve healthcare facilities at Aam Aadmi Clinics by ensuring proper availability of doctors, medicines, and other necessary equipment.