In a training session focusing on Expanded Packages within the realm of Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC), held at the conference hall of the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare in Kohima, V Kezo, the Commissioner & Secretary of DoHFW, urged Medical Officers to transcend mere routine duties. He encouraged the Medical Officers “not to be satisfied with doing only the routine duties but to go beyond in transforming the health seeking behavior of the people and creating an enabling environment. He appealed them to take the extra mile and make a decision to be a powerful agent of change.”
He commended Chunlikha PHC for their innovative management of Health Units, serving as a beacon of responsibility and positive change within their respective communities.
Dr Ritu Thurr, Principal Director of DoHFW, underscored the significance of Primary Health Centers as the primary point of contact for communities. He reminded trainees of their responsibility to deliver all available services and to uphold the noble principles of the medical profession, emphasizing choice over chance in their career paths. Thurr urged a re-dedication to medical ethics and values, emphasizing the commitment to delivering comprehensive healthcare services.
In his keynote address, Dr E Motsuthung Patton, Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), called upon attending doctors to collaborate in ensuring quality healthcare for all citizens and to spearhead transformation within the public health system.
Providing an overview of CPHC, Dr Mereninla Senlem, State Program Officer of NHM, highlighted its goal of reducing out-of-pocket expenses and bringing healthcare closer to the community.
During the inaugural program, Chunlikha Primary Health Center (PHC) received accolades for attaining the National Quality Assurance Standard (NQAS) Certification from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. The Commissioner & Secretary presented the award to Dr Cheyale Kath, the MO in-charge of the PHC.
The inaugural session marked the commencement of a five-day training program. This program aims to equip Medical Officers with expertise in twelve expanded service packages, namely: Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth, Neonatal and Infant Health Care Services, Childhood and Adolescent Health Care Services, Family Planning, Contraceptive Services, and other Reproductive Health Care Services, Management of Communicable Diseases: National Health Programmes, General Out-patient Care for Acute Simple Illnesses and Minor Ailments, Screening, Prevention, Control, and Management of Non-communicable Diseases, Care for Common Ophthalmic and ENT Problems, Basic Oral Health Care, Elderly and Palliative Health Care Services, Emergency Medical Services including Burns and Trauma, and Screening and Basic Management of Mental Health Ailments.