ZIRO, Aug 24: The first-quarter District Health Society (DHS) Review Meeting-cum-District Task Force for Immunisation (DTFI) of Lower Subansiri district was held at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hall of the District Secretariat here on Monday, reviewing key health programmes, achievements, infrastructure gaps and priorities for improving healthcare delivery.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme, Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra, District Medical Officer Dr Millo Kunya, Deputy Director (ICDS) Kago Maya and other health officials.
A major achievement highlighted during the meeting was that Lower Subansiri has maintained zero malaria cases since 2020. District Programme Officer (NVBDCP) Dr Kuru Tama credited the sustained achievement to the efforts of frontline Health and Wellness Officers and medical personnel in surveillance, prevention and community-level interventions.
The district also recorded a significant quality milestone with the Siiro health facility receiving the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) award.
Officials reviewed the progress of various health programmes, including the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), non-communicable disease control, the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), blood services and Ayush initiatives.
The meeting also discussed emerging public health concerns, including an increase in HIV cases reportedly linked to unsafe sexual practices and the sharing of syringes. Officials informed that free anti-retroviral treatment is now available at the ART Centre in Ziro, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the district for treatment.
The meeting further reviewed climate-related health risks and the ongoing HPV awareness campaign targeting girls aged 14–15 years. Support from NGO partners, including the Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), particularly in promoting male engagement and the ‘Buddy Mothers’ initiative, was also discussed.
DMO Dr Millo Kunya highlighted several infrastructure and human-resource requirements affecting healthcare delivery in the district. These included renovation of the old school compound for accommodating the administrative block of the Old Ziro Hospital, establishment of a dedicated Data Centre, deployment of night-shift security guards at hospitals, and provision of dedicated parking barricades for ambulances.
He also stressed the need for recruitment of specialist doctors and adequate budgetary support under the National Health Mission (NHM).
DC Oli Perme appreciated the commitment of the Health Department and directed officials to strengthen monitoring of dog-bite cases and ensure uninterrupted availability of anti-rabies vaccines (ARV).
Deputy Director (ICDS) Kago Maya emphasised the need for closer coordination among departments and called for regular sharing of monthly health and nutrition data concerning women and children to ensure effective delivery of services to all sections of the community.
The meeting concluded with a summary of the proceedings and a vote of thanks by District Reproductive and Child Health Officer Dr S Rigia. (DIPRO)