Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur
Jaipur, Jul 25: The Rajasthan government has decided to establish a dedicated Cancer Cell at the directorate level to enhance cancer screening, awareness and early detection programmes across the state. The announcement was made by Principal Secretary (Medical and Health) Gayatri Rathore during a high-level review meeting held via video conference on Friday.
The meeting, attended by superintendents of medical colleges, Principal Medical Officers (PMOs), and Chief Medical and Health Officers (CMHOs), focused on improving maternal healthcare services, expanding cancer screening initiatives and reviewing the state's preparedness for seasonal diseases during the monsoon.
To strengthen maternal healthcare, Rathore directed that gynaecologists posted at all government delivery centres receive regular mentoring from specialists attached to medical colleges within their respective districts. She also instructed officials to organise one-hour virtual training sessions over the next five days to familiarise doctors with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other key clinical protocols.
Reviewing the previous day's data on normal and Caesarean deliveries, Rathore emphasised the need for close monitoring of pregnant women suffering from severe anaemia. She instructed health officials to ensure timely blood transfusions, administration of ACF injections and iron sucrose therapy to minimise complications associated with severe anaemia during pregnancy.
She further directed that the appointment of Prasav Sakhis (birth companions) and the establishment of dedicated Prasav Sakhi counters in all government hospitals be completed by the end of the week to provide better support for expectant mothers during childbirth.
During the meeting, B.S. Jodha, Principal and Controller of SNMC Medical College, Jodhpur, demonstrated the use of the Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG), a life-saving device used in managing postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Rathore instructed officials to equip all 108 emergency ambulances with NASG garments through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and ensure that paramedical staff receive proper training in their use.
Additional Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), T. Shubhamangala, presented findings from inspections conducted at Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition (MCHN) centres and district hospitals in Dausa and Sikar. Based on the report, Rathore ordered disciplinary proceedings against Dausa Principal Medical Officer Subhash Biloniya for failing to adhere to prescribed SOPs in labour rooms and operation theatres. She also directed action against a member of the nursing staff found responsible for procedural lapses.
To strengthen the state's cancer control strategy, Rathore announced the creation of a Cancer Cell at the directorate level. She instructed officials to maximise the use of mobile cancer screening vans, ensure that details of screening camps are publicised at least 10 days in advance, and prepare monthly schedules for conducting awareness and screening drives across districts.
With the monsoon season underway, Rathore also directed health authorities to intensify preparations for preventing and controlling seasonal diseases. She called for heightened surveillance and proactive public health measures to minimise the spread of monsoon-related illnesses across Rajasthan.
The review meeting was attended by National Health Mission Mission Director Jogaram, Medical Education Commissioner Babulal Goyal, Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) Managing Director Pukhraj Sain, Public Health Director Ravi Prakash Sharma, RCH Director Madhu Rateshwar and other senior officials of the Health Department.