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Journalism of Courage
As he took charge as Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare at Nirman Bhavan on Friday,Ghulam Nabi Azad came out with a detailed roadmap of how the ministry will provide healthcare to the poorest sections of society as well as other programmes. Addressing the media,Azad steered clear of controversial topics,but hinted that he will not be drawn into his predecessor Anbumani Ramadosss conflicts with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Minister of State Dinesh Trivedi also took charge on Friday.
Escorted to his new office by Health Secretary Naresh Dayal,Director General of Health Services Dr R K Srivastava,Indian Council of Medical Research DG,Dr V M Katoch and Secretary,Department of AIDS Control,Sujatha Rao,Azad said he would ensure that the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) will be implemented in letter and spirit. Occasionally referring to notes he said,The people of our country,especially those in rural areas,have always complained that health-related initiatives dont reach them. I think the UPA flagship programme,NRHM,has done much to help.
When asked about the problems that Anbumani Ramadoss had with the premier AIIMS,Azad said that he would not like to dilute the authority of the institute…. Supremacy of institutions is sacrosanct and individuals come and go,but we should not try to surpass each other. AIIMS is a premier institute and we should not tarnish its image, he said.
Regarding future initiatives,he added that the launch of the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM),conceptualised during the previous ministrys tenure,was high on the list and he would prioritise getting approval from the Cabinet.
Other priority areas,added Azad,will be the production of new vaccines to counter a growing number of diseases as well as the strengthening six new AIIMS and upgradation of 13 state medical institutions under the first phase of PMSSY. Two more AIIMS- like institutes and upgradation of six state medical institutions will be taken up in the second phase,he added. He added that establishment of a drug authority,promotion of Ayurveda,AIDS prevention and strengthening of health research will also be focus areas. While the Union Minister had been briefed by senior Health Ministry Officials,Health Secretary Naresh Dayal said,There was not much he didnt know as he is a seasoned politician.
