Times of India
14 May 2010
Hyderabad, India

The cash–strapped state government has now decided to bring in a new scheme called “Arogya Raksha” and restructure the health department with the help of National Rural Health Mission. This would help the department to leverage about Rs 2000 crore which can be utilised for effective health care to rural population and strengthen public health systems which fall under the department of Health, medical and family welfare.

This decision was taken on Thursday at a meeting chaired by chief minister K Rosaiah. Under the scheme, special programs for vulnerable groups will be taken up particularly in villages with poor health indicators, improved access through special package, identifying pockets of vulnerability, mapping exercise and improving maternal and child health care will be launched.

The proposal is to have two mobile health units per district with a medical officer, social organiser and health educator for close coordination and collaboration with the department of women development & child welfare.

The programme would include revitalisation of primary health system, strengthening the referral system, structural reforms and comprehensive HR reforms in the health sector.

A special health care programme for school children “Bala Arogya Raksha” will be launched to meet the health needs of 85.32 lakh children in the government schools in Andhra Pradesh. The chief minister will formally launch the state–wide programme to be taken in all the districts and mandals on July 15. Screening of all school children between July 15 and August 14 will be taken up and health cards will be issued. Immunisation program will be taken up for every child of 5 –7 age and micro nutrient supplements will also be distributed as part of the programme.