Jaipur, July 24 (IANS) Rajasthan will establish a cancer cell at the directorate level to strengthen cancer screening and awareness across the state, Principal Secretary (Medical and Health) Gayatri Rathore said during a review meeting on Friday.
Chairing a video conference from Swasthya Bhawan with Superintendents of medical colleges, Principal Medical Officers (PMOs), and Chief Medical and Health Officers (CMHOs), Rathore reviewed maternal healthcare services, cancer screening, and preparedness for seasonal diseases.
He directed that gynaecologists posted at all government delivery centres be mentored by specialists from medical colleges in their respective districts.
She instructed officials to schedule one-hour video conferencing sessions over the next five days to familiarise doctors with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other essential clinical protocols.
She also reviewed the status of normal and Caesarean deliveries reported during the previous 24 hours and directed officials to closely monitor treatment for pregnant women suffering from severe anaemia.
She emphasised timely blood transfusions, ACF injections, and iron sucrose therapy to reduce cases of severe anaemia.
Principal Secretary Rathore also directed that the appointment of ‘Prasav Sakhis’ (birth companions) and the establishment of dedicated Prasav Sakhi counters in all hospitals be completed by the end of the week.
During the meeting, B.S. Jodha, Principal and Controller of SNMC Medical College in Jodhpur, made a presentation on the Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG) used in managing postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).
Rathore directed that NASG garments be provided in all 108 emergency ambulances through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and instructed that paramedical staff receive training in their use.
Additional Mission Director (NHM), T. Shubhamangala, presented findings from inspections conducted at MCHN centres and district hospitals in Dausa and Sikar.
Based on the inspection report, Rathore ordered the issuance of a chargesheet to Subhash Biloniya, Principal Medical Officer of Dausa, for failing to follow prescribed SOPs in the labour room and operation theatre.
She also directed action against a member of the nursing staff.
To strengthen cancer control efforts, Rathore announced that a Cancer Cell will be established at the directorate level.
She directed officials to ensure the optimal use of the state’s cancer screening vans and instructed that information about screening camps be publicised at least 10 days in advance.
CMHOs were also asked to prepare a monthly calendar for organising cancer screening camps.
With the monsoon season underway, Rathore instructed health officials to begin preparations for the prevention and control of seasonal diseases and maintain heightened vigilance across the state.
The meeting was attended by NHM Mission Director Jogaram, Medical Education Commissioner Babulal Goyal, RMSCL Managing Director Pukhraj Sain, Public Health Director Ravi Prakash Sharma, RCH Director Madhu Rateshwar, and other senior health department officials.
–IANS
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