BHUBANESWAR: The State BJP on Sunday urged Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Harsh Vardhan to support the State for opening geriatric cell in Government hospitals starting from Community Health Centres (CHCs).
Submitting a memorandum to the Union Minister here, vice-president of the party’s State unit Prithviraj Harichandan sought financial support from the Ministry under the National Health Mission (NHM) for free medical checkup of senior citizens in Government hospitals. “A health programme may be initiated in all Government hospitals starting from CHC onwards for senior citizens. National Health Mission scheme should support the programme by offering free medical checkup to senior citizens twice a week through geriatric cells,” the memorandum stated.
Slamming the State Government for its failure in improving health services, BJP members alleged that doctors refuse to take rural postings due to poor health infrastructure. Central assistance available under NHM are either misappropriated or misutilised for political gains of the ruling BJD.
Accusing the State Government of gaining political mileage by usurping Central programmes, the party requested the Union Minister to issue clear guidelines to the State to highlight the Union Government’s initiatives in the health sector.
The party further requested the Union Minister for appointment of teaching and non-teaching staff and opening of other medical disciplines at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar within a time frame.
State BJP secretary Bhrugu Baxipatra, Bhubaneswar district president Amiya Dash, executive committee members Jaganath Pradhan, Ratikanta Dash, Dilip Mohanty and Sudipta Ray were the other signatories to the memorandum.