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Experts Draw Roadmap for Health and Wellness Centers

In a bid to implement public healthcare programs in a much better way, soon primary health centers (PHCs) and community healthcare (CHCs) across the State will be transformed into health and wellness centers (HWCs). To enable comprehensive primary healthcare service delivery including disease prevention and health promotion, as many as 711 sub-centers, 33 public health centers (PHCs) and 32 urban primary health centers (UPHCs) will be converted into HWCs here under the central government’s program. In a state level consultation meet on comprehensive primary healthcare organized by Department of Health and Family Welfare on Monday, a roadmap was presented by the expert panelists regarding up-gradation of PHCs, CHCs. With introduction of new courses (Certificate course in community health) to fill the existing human resource crunch, establishment of 12 study centers, mapping of buildings, the State government has to ensure that all major steps towards upgrading PHCs, UPHCs is taken before August 2018.

Throwing light on principles for universal healthcare, especially for PHCs, Mission Director -Jharkhand, National Health Mission, Kripanand Jha said, “As many as 12 facilities will be given to the beneficiaries at the HWCs that are secondary and tertiary level institutions. Identification of gaps, recruitment of Community Health Officers (CHOs) through six months bridge program, utilization of District Mineral Fund, orientation program for trained personnel, community-based screening are key factors that need to be taken up for consideration.” Notably, under Ayushman Bharat Scheme, the Government of India (GoI) has planned to open 1.5 lakh HWCs by 2022, with an aim to treat host of diseases like blood pressure, diabetes, TB, cancer and old-age illness through delivering comprehensive primary healthcare services that is equitable, responsive and accessible. Qualified mid-level provider (MLPs), robust IT systems, essential drugs and supplies are a few major components of this healthcare program.

On Operationalization of HWCs – Roll out plan for CPHC in Jharkhand, Dr SK Singh, State Nodal Officer – Ayushman Bharat, said, “In the first phase nearly 52 urban PHCs have been identified in 21 districts for up-gradation. HWCs are expanded package of health services. Preventative aspects, follow-up of cases through Information and Communication Technology (ICT), drug and diagnostic for better delivery of services will be taken into consideration.” A survey of National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) states that only 28 per cent rural population and 21 per cent urban public earlier used to avail the six major facilities provided at PHCs, CHCs. During a daylong workshop, a group discussion on governance structure for HWCs, integration with Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and community including learning from other States on roll out of CPHCs was also held. – Daily Pioneer

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