Ladakh Lieutenant Governor R K Mathur on Wednesday discussed the National Family Health Survey – 2019-2020.
The meeting deliberated upon the outcomes of the National Family Health Survey – 05, 2019 – 2020 with emphasis on indicators such as population and household profiles, marriage and fertility, maternal and child health, delivery care, child immunisation, treatment and childhood diseases, anemia among children and women etc. Concerns such as anemia and Iron deficiency amongst the female population were discussed and LG Mathur stated that the department must develop a proper mechanism to increase iron as well as other necessary supplements in the female diet.
LG Mathur stated that the department must work hand-in-hand with the ICDS program to achieve results. Discussing maternal and child health, LG Mathur stated that all possible measures must be put in place to provide required facilities to expecting mothers and directed the department to ensure an immediate District Magistrate level review to give suggestions to reduce child mortality rate in both the districts, with inclusion of the migrant population as well. LG Mathur also stressed that the medical department, including Primary Health Centers must be equipped with all necessary equipment for assisting safe deliveries. Further, it was directed by LG Mathur that to assist secure deliveries in far-flung areas, initiatives such as developing a strong paramedic/nursing system by means of imparting training from renowned medical institutes may be undertaken.
The meeting also considered setting up of a dedicated mobile ambulance with facilities for screening cervical as well as breast cancer. LG Mathur also directed the department to achieve 100 percent child vaccination and find ways to promote hygiene amongst children. Concerned by the rapid increase in the percentage of overweight people and worsening nutritional status in Ladakh, LG Mathur laid emphasis on curbing the problem at its initial stage and said that efforts must be put to inculcate good eating habits as well as exercising.
The meeting was attended by Advisor Umang Narula, Commissioner Secretary ICDS Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Commissioner Secretary Health Rigzin Sampheal and CMO Leh Dr Motup Dorje.
