In commemoration of the fourth Anniversary of Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres in Meghalaya, various blocks held ‘Health Melas’ for the benefit of local residents.
In Mylliem block, one such mela was held at St Peter’s Secondary School, Pomlakrai Rangbihbih village, benefitting the residents of 13 villages in the area. The programme was organized under the aegis of the National Health Mission, Meghalaya.
Nongkrem MLA Lambor Malngiang graced the occasion as the chief guest while Nongkrem MDC Ronnie V Lyngdoh was the guest of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Malngiang lauded the Health Department and the office of the Block Development Officer for initiating the mela for the benefit of the people.
Acknowledging the huge turnout, he stressed on the importance of organizing awareness programmes urging people to come forward to take better care of their health. Lamenting the lack of health facilities in the area, he informed that soon the Agrilla Health Centre will be inaugurated at Pomlakrai, which will go a long way in addressing the health concern of the people of the area. Malngiang also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of ASHAs and Anganwadi workers, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lyngdoh stressed on the importance of preventive care. Expressing concern over the high number of cancer cases in the state, he reiterated the need for people to pay heed to the advice of health workers and not listen to hearsay.
Awareness on issues like maternal mortality rate, cancer prevention, anaemia, importance of deworming, dangers of teenage pregnancy, etc were also imparted to the people.
On the occasion prizes were awarded to winners of slogan completion and mothers who completed their health checkup were also felicitated.
In Mawkyrwat block, the mela was held at Sakwang Presbyterian Higher Secondary School.
Stalls were set up to generate awareness on health programmes with focus on facilitating provision of Ayushman Bharat Cards, creation of unique Health ID under ABDM for attendees as well as to mobilize and educate communities about Ayushman Bharat E-Cards and other health-related schemes. Ayushman Bharat E Cards were also issued on the spot. About 456 people enrolled in the programme
One of the speakers was DBS Mukhim, Assistant Commissioner Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), who informed the people about fortified rice, which is being distributed through Aganwadi centres, mid-day meal scheme and Fair Price Shops.
The District Medical and Health Officer, Dr W Narry informed the gathering that South West Khasi Hills has the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the country. Fear of institutional delivery and not visiting hospitals in early pregnancy further adds to the mortality rate. He therefore called upon one and all to visit hospital for frequent medical checkups and avail different services in order to become healthy.
In East Jaiñtia Hills, the mela was held at Saipung PHC Block which was attended by MDC Arbor Hima Darnei.
District Medical and Health Officer, East Jaintia Hills Dr. Dominic Shylla appealed to the people to take part and avail the various services provided at the event.
The mela saw huge participation of men, women, children, school students and teachers. A total of 630 beneficiaries underwent checkups and treatment during the day-long programme, 203 Digital/ Unique Health ID was created, Ayushman cards were issued to 15 beneficiaries and 10 beneficiaries were administered with the Covid-19 vaccine.
A group discussion and awareness was also given to school students on healthy diet and nutrition, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, peer pressure and the importance of education.
In Resubelpara, the mela was held at Wageasi Deficit School under Kharkutta block in North Garo Hills.
Kharkutta MLA Rupert Momin graced the occasion as the chief guest. He highlighted the various schemes provided by the Health Department for the welfare of the people and also inaugurated the National Deworming Day as part of the programme.
Other health related activities such as a yoga session, tele-consultation, anaemia screening, awareness on teenage pregnancy and focused group discussion on family planning were held simultaneously.
Meanwhile, it was announced by the Eastern West Khasi Hills district administration that the Mairang block mela will take place on Friday. Speaker and local MLA Metbah Lyngdoh will be the chief guest on the occasion.
