Nongpoh: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday emphasised the need to prioritise people’s involvement and uplift aspirational districts to inspirational districts through community participation.
Mandaviya was on two-day visit to Meghalaya with a special visit to Ri-Bhoi district, which is recognized as an aspirational district.
He also chaired a review meeting review meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Nongpoh after inspecting the Umsaw Nongkharai Health and Wellness Centre in Umling.
Pointing out that there are currently 500 blocks identified as below the national average, listed as aspirational districts, the Union Health Minister said, “The goal is to elevate these districts to national average levels by fulfilling indicators on a mission mode.”
Mandaviya also emphasised the importance of equitable growth and development for a country to progress.
Acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comment on “the lack of uniform development in the country”, Mandaviya expressed the urgent need for periodic reform of government schemes and initiatives.
Mandaviya stressed the significance of providing essential infrastructure and services to all aspirational districts, empowering the workforce at the village level, including Anganwadi workers, ASHAs and SHGs to achieve desired results.
The Union Health Minister further highlighted the importance of workshops at the cluster level, using the Ayushman Bhav concept of community mobilization and skill development for key government officials and villages.
Meghalaya Health Minister also emphasised that the Union Minister’s focus is on the importance of transitioning from an Aspirational District to an Inspirational District to eradicate poverty and advance comprehensive development for the well-being of the state’s people and the nation as a whole.
Earlier, the Union Health Minister interacted with ASHA workers and smart card holders to gather information on the advantages they receive during illness through the innovative Smart card, a collaborative effort between the state and central governments.
