Ramban | : A comprehensive review meeting of the District Health Society (DHS), Ramban was held Wednesday under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan, to assess the performance and achievements of the health department across various verticals. The meeting focused on evaluating ongoing initiatives, identifying gaps in service delivery and issuing directions to strengthen the district’s public health infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by ACP Ashfaq Ahmed, ACD Shrinath Suman, Executive Engineer PWD Ranjeet Singh, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kamal Jee Zadoo, DHO Dr. Mohd Iqbal Malik, Medical Superintendent DH Ramban Dr. Sudarshan Singh Katoch, District Tuberculosis Officer Dr. Naseer, BMO Batote Dr. Opinder Singh Raseem, BMO Banihal Dr. Shabir Ahmed and other concerned officials.
During the meeting, the DC was informed that the district, with an estimated population of over 3.39 lakh, is served by a network of 122 health institutions, including a District Hospital, Trauma Centre, 3 Community Health Centres (CHCs), 9 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 23 New Type PHCs, and 85 Sub-Centres (SCs). However, staffing remains a challenge, with 268 vacancies in general health services and 61 under the National Health Mission yet to be filled. The DC called for immediate efforts to fill these posts to ensure optimal functioning of health facilities.
The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the encouraging progress in key health indicators such as OPD/IPD footfall, institutional deliveries, diagnostics and surgeries. While reviewing the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme, the DC noted 94.92% saturation in registration and claims exceeding Rs. 636 lakh for over 10,900 patients. He directed the concerned officers to ensure 100% saturation in registration across the district.
Reviewing the performance under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, the DC instructed health authorities to intensify X-ray testing, case detection, and prompt treatment of TB cases.
The meeting also discussed the progress under other national health programs, including NVBDCP, NPCBVI, NP-NCD and NMHP. The DC emphasized the need to strengthen preventive healthcare and early intervention measures through community-level awareness and screening activities.
Notably, Ramban district has excelled in telemedicine services, topping the Jammu Division under the e-Sanjeevani initiative with over 42,000 teleconsultations, exceeding the annual target by almost 300%. The DC commended the efforts and encouraged further expansion of digital healthcare services, especially in remote areas.
He also took a firsthand appraisal of the functioning of Rogi Kalyan Samitis and Jan Arogya Samitis and stressed on enhancing effectiveness in improving healthcare delivery at the grassroots level. The DC directed the health department to organize regular health camps and deploy Mobile Medical Units to provide medical services at the doorsteps of people living in far-flung areas.
Concluding the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed all doctors and healthcare staff to work with zeal and dedication in serving the people of Ramban by delivering accessible, equitable, and efficient healthcare services to all sections of society.
