- A Review Meeting on Haryana’s Health System Was Held in New Delhi
New Delhi : Haryana Health Minister Aarti Singh Rao, along with senior department officials, met with Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda at his office in New Delhi. The meeting reviewed the progress of key health programs in Haryana and discussed the support required from the Central Government. The Union Minister praised the Haryana Government’s efforts in the health sector.
Emphasis on “TB-Free Haryana”
The meeting commended the state’s performance under the TB-Free India/TB-Free Haryana campaign. The Union Minister advised further strengthening the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, increasing the participation of Nikshay Mitras, and expanding X-ray screening coverage. The 100-day TB campaign will be relaunched in February, with the active participation of MPs, MLAs, District Committees, and Deputy Commissioners.
Improved Availability of Medicines and Diagnostic Services
Haryana’s Essential Medicines List (EDL) includes more medicines than the national list. The availability of essential medicines in public health institutions was found to be over 90 percent, and the total molecule availability was above 80 percent, which the Union Minister praised.
Regarding diagnostic services, 13 types of tests are available at the sub-health center level, while 108 of the 134 listed tests are available at district hospitals. Community Health Centers (CHCs) and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) are also providing a large number of diagnostic services. It was suggested to further strengthen these services through a hub-and-spoke model.
Discussion on Human Resources and Budget Structure
The meeting emphasized increasing the availability of medical specialists and streamlining their deployment. Currently, Haryana spends approximately 70 percent of its health budget on salaries. Rational recruitment and planning were recommended to gradually reduce this to 50 percent, in line with other states.
Drug Supply Portal and FDA Reforms
The state was advised to fully implement the drug availability portal down to the sub-health center level to provide information on drug availability to the general public. Instructions were given to expedite the completion of pending mapping work.
The meeting was informed that deputation-based appointments have been made to key positions within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and laboratories are being established for quality control.
Focus on Medical Education and PPP
Information was given about the commencement of operations of a medical and nursing college in Bhiwani. The Union Minister advised increasing the number of UG and PG medical seats in Haryana. He also directed the state to coordinate with the PPP Cell established by the central government to explore partnership opportunities in diagnostic and other services.
State’s Demands Placed Before the Central Government
At the meeting, the Haryana government placed several important demands before the Central Government, including a dedicated TB hospital in Hisar, uninterrupted supply of CBNAAT cartridges, HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention, PET/SPECT facilities for cancer and NCD management, extension of 15th Finance Commission support, targeted infrastructure support for South Haryana, additional ambulances, expansion of Neonatal Care Units (SNCUs), district-level mammography, audiology clinics, specialty clinics, fibroscan facilities, and a unified IT platform for all health programs.
Achievements Praised
Union Minister J.P. Nadda specifically commended the state for reducing the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in Haryana and achieving over 400 percent Full Immunization Coverage (FIC).
At the end of the meeting, the Union Minister commended the Haryana government for its efforts and assured that the Central Government will continue to provide all possible support to further strengthen the state’s public health system.