Dulloo directs HSCC to ensure time-bound completion of CCBs, DIPHLs ,BPHUs across J&K
Jammu: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Friday held a meeting to conduct a comprehensive review of several key projects underway in the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department. The review covered the progress of Critical Care Blocks (CCBs) being established across districts under the Pradhan Mantri–Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), developments made under the Emergency COVID Response Package-II (ECRP-II), expansion of IHIP, adherence to IPHS standards, and the status of NCDC laboratories and VRDL facilities across J&K. The meeting was attended by the Secretary, H&ME; Mission Director, NHM; Principals of Government Medical Colleges; Managing Director, HSCC; Director Health, Kashmir/Jammu and other senior officers of the department.
During the recent meeting, the Chief Secretary conducted a project-wise appraisal of ongoing works, particularly focusing on the Centralized Community-Based Health Services (CCBs). He emphasized the need for the Health Systems and Community Care (HSCC) to triple its manpower and machinery to ensure timely project completion within the designated scheme deadlines. The Chief Secretary highlighted that the release of funds under Centrally Sponsored Schemes is contingent upon the submission of Utilization Certificates, underscoring the necessity for full fund utilization before the schemes’ closure. In reviewing the physical and financial progress, the Chief Secretary instructed the Managing Director of HSCC to enhance on-ground monitoring and field visits, noting that significant projects worth over ₹800 Crores under PM-ABHIM and ₹166 Crores under ECRP-II must be completed on schedule, as future funding for these projects may not be available. He also called for improvements in the IndianPublic Health Standards (IPHS) scores across health facilities, indicating that higher certification levels correlate with better service quality and increased public trust. Additionally, he directed expedited efforts to establish National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) laboratories in Jammu and Srinagar to strengthen disease surveillance and diagnostics. The Secretary of Health and Medical Education reported on infrastructure progress, revealing that procurement processes for necessary equipment are being initiated to ensure facilities can operate immediately upon completion. Under PM-ABHIM, two 100-bedded CCBs are under construction in Jammu and Budgam, alongside seven 50-bedded CCBs in various locations. Furthermore, 20 District Integrated Public Health Labs (DIPHLs) and 287 Block Public Health Units (BPHUs) are being established across the Union Territory. The Managing Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) presented a detailed status report on the progress of CCBs and DIPHLs, noting regular assessments and field inspections to expedite project execution. The meeting also reviewed the establishment of 79 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (UAAMs), with 53 completed and efforts ongoing to finish the remaining by March 2025. Dr. Harjeet Rai, the State Nodal Officer for NHM, provided an update on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), which has mapped 3,796 health facilities in Jammu and Kashmir, enabling real-time monitoring of various health cases. Over the past year, 133 outbreaks affecting 3,250 individuals were reported through IHIP, which also tracks cases of dog bites, snake bites, and dengue. The progress of NCDC laboratories in Jammu and Srinagar was reviewed, along with IPHS compliance, where 3,526 out of 3,533 health facilities have been assessed. The Chief Secretary also evaluated the functioning of Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) at Government Medical Colleges, noting their expanding diagnostic capabilities and ongoing research on viruses such as Influenza and Rotavirus, aimed at benefiting the local population.
