H.E. Jon Westborg Ambassador of Norway to India, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the long association of Norway with India, especially Rajasthan.
Dr. Digambar Singh, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Rajasthan, who was the chief guest, emphasized that strengthening of health institutions in rural areas and reduction of infant and child mortality is one of the priorities in Rajasthan. Accordingly, the government of Rajasthan is committed to improve the situation by increasing service providers such as nurses and ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwives) in the hilly and desert areas of the state. He expressed that the interventions proposed under NIPI is going to be a milestone for the future of the children of Rajasthan.
(L to R) Mr. P.K. Hota, Director NIPI Secretariat, Mr. R.K. Meena, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Rajasthan, Dr. Digambar Singh, Hon'ble Health Minister, Government of Rajasthan, Dr. Tore Godal, Special Adviser to Prime Minister of Norway, H.E. Jon Westborg, Ambassador of Norway to India and Mr. A.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Uttar Pradesh - lighting the lamp to mark the launch of NIPI in Rajasthan
Ms. Neel Kamal Darbari, Mission Director, NRHM, Government of Rajasthan, in her presentation highlighted the new interventions that the government is proposing for improving child health in Rajasthan. Particularly, 9000 ‘ASHA Sahayoginis’ are being inducted in the year 2007-08 in addition to the already inducted 35,000 ASHAs.
About 6000 nurses and 5000 ANMs will be inducted over the next one year in the state to meet the emerging paramedical staff requirement. 28 District hospitals will be strengthened with 12 bedded neonatal units to enhance facility-based care for sick newborn children.
Dr. Tore Godal, Special Advisor to Prime Minister of Norway, mentioned that NIPI will strive to facilitate the efforts of the state to achieve the goals of MDG4.
The launch function was attended by about 60 persons from the various districts of Rajasthan including ASHAs, ANMs, immunisation officers, RCH officers and staff from State Directorate of Health Services. Additionally, the participants of the Retreat were also present at the launch.