Bhubaneswar: Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahalinga held a departmental review meeting at the National Health Mission (NHM) headquarters in Bhubaneswar, today.

The meeting was attended by several senior officials including NHM MD D. Brunda.

Implementation of the National Health Mission and various schemes such as Janani Surakhya Yojana, Janani Sishu Surakhya Karyakram, Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, Sickle Celle Anemia Elimination Mission, Ayushman Arogya Mandir etc. were discussed in detail in the meeting.

The Minister said in his speech that the protection of the health of people in Odisha is a big responsibility. He also said that Bio-medical Engineering & Instrumentation departments should be opened in the medical colleges under the National Health Mission and the time of 108 ambulances to reach the patients has to be reduced to a maximum of 15 minutes.

Minister Mahalinga directed to fill up the vacant posts being filled by the National Health Mission as soon as possible. He asked the officials of the department to make healthcare simpler and user-friendly by using information and technology in the healthcare sector.

Similarly, in the review meeting, the Minister asked to focus on 24x7 operational and cleanliness of CHCs. As yoga is beneficial for health, he emphasised organising yoga training camps at regular intervals in health centers in every district and urban areas. Mahaling also focused on permanent appointment of yoga instructors.

Notably, in another occasion in the day, the Minister advised all doctors to treat patients with human values. He also suggested that the medicos should watch Munna Bhai MBBS. This is a 2003 satirical comedy-drama film in Hindi language, which was written and directed by Rajkumar Hirani.