Health minister, Health News, ET HealthWorld


Ranchi: Jharkhand health minister Irfan Ansari on Tuesday announced that 42,000 sahiyas (community health workers) will receive digital tablets to streamline their work. The announcement was made during a programme on World Cancer Day. The minister also inaugurated a mass cancer screening programme on the occasion. The screening will focus on detecting oral, breast, and cervical cancer at all health centres across the state.

He said, “The govt is working to provide tabs to sahiyas soon to assist them in their work. Sahiyas must alert the department in case they come across cases of cancer so that timely steps can be taken to attend the patient.”

Ansari emphasized that chief minister Hemant Soren will soon lay the foundation stone for Rims-2, and preparations for the project have already begun. Additionally, 300 new ambulances will be provided to the state, along with bike ambulances for sahiyas to ensure timely patient transport in rural areas.

“Efforts are being made to establish a dedicated cancer hospital in state so that the patients do not have to travel outside Jharkhand for treatment,” Ansari said.

He highlighted the state govt’s steps in cancer prevention, including a ban on the sale of plain pan masala to curb oral cancer cases. He also cautioned against prolonged mobile phone usage due to radiation risks. Ansari said, “Plans are also underway to construct five new super-speciality hospitals across the state, ensuring advanced healthcare facilities in every district.”

He announced that the state govt will soon provide free medicines and diagnostic tests, including free ultrasound services for pregnant women. Ansari reiterated that private hospitals should not pressure families to pay medical bills after a patient’s demise and should waive them automatically.

Campaign director of the state chapter of the National Health Mission, Abu Imran, stressed the need for early cancer detection and revealed that the govt is launching a state-wide vaccination programme for girls aged nine-14 to prevent cervical cancer.

  • Published On Feb 5, 2025 at 04:07 PM IST

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