Kathua, Aug 06: Secretary to Government, Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department Bhupinder Kumar on Sunday emphasized that the conventional healthcare system and Ayush must join hands for screening, early detection and effective management through behavioural change and lifestyle modifications to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.
H instructed that the data of screening and testing with regard to NCDs at all Ayush institutions should be consolidated and uploaded on NCD portal by National Health Mission officials.
The Directorate of Ayush J&K in convergence with Government Medical College (GMC) Kathua organized Arogya Mahotsava to mark the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The Secretary H&ME inaugurated the Arogya Mahotsava exhibition wherein various components of health and wellness under seven thematic areas were exhibited in convergence with GMC Kathua.
These include Har Ghar Ayush, Ayush Apke Dwar for Medicinal Plant Distribution and promotion of cultivation of medicinal plants, Ayush Home remedies for self care, Ayush for Nasha Mukt Bharat, Ayush for Anemia Mukt Bharat, Ayush for NCD Mukt Bharat and Promotion of Health benefits of millets.
Bhupinder Kumar visited each and every stall and interacted with Ayush doctors and the doctors from GMC Kathua. He launched a campaign on Ashwagandha – as a health promoter medicinal plant in Jammu and Kashmir and to motivate people for growing and using Ashwagandha for various health benefits. In this series, Ashwagandha plants were distributed among ASHAs present in the event for promotion of the medicinal plants in the catchment areas of Health and Wellness Centers.
In his address, the Secretary H&ME impressed upon the healthcare fraternity to repurpose and rationalize the manpower for disease prevention and health promotion. “The healthcare service providers must practice their profession with the utmost integrity, dedication so that general public may trust the public health delivery system,” he said.
Kumar stressed upon the health of doctors and healthcare providers, and also conducted an extensive tour and took stock of healthcare services being provided by Government Medical College and Hospital Kathua.
In his address District Development commissioner lauded the Ayush department’s concept of Arogya Mahotsav and highlighted the rising demand of Ayush healthcare facilities in the district. He emphasized upon the need of rational integration of traditional systems with modern systems.
Dr Mohan Singh Director Ayush J&K emphasized the need for convergence between Ayush and modern system of medicine for addressing the emerging global health challenges like non-communicable diseases.
Dr S K Atri, Principal GMC Kathua elaborated various healthcare services being provided by the hospital. He emphasized upon the role of early testing and diagnosis in the management of NCDs.
The interns of Government Ayurvedic Hospital presented a nukkad natak on the substance abuse and social stigma associated with it. The students also highlighted the role of Ayush in detoxification and management of withdrawal symptoms associated with substance abuse.
