MITTAL calls on Santosh Chaudhary for early release of pending grants

Chandigarh, July 19, 2013: Madan Mohan Mittal, Health & Family Welfare Minister, Punjab called upon Santosh Chaudhry, Union Minister of State, Health on Thursday at New Delhi to press upon the Government for the immediate release of the outstanding grants to the Punjab.

Divulging this, Mittal said that the meeting was a just a courtesy call; however it remained quite fruitful as discussions were held on many key issues related to strengthening of Health Services in Punjab. He said that Chaudhry agreed on almost all proposals, especially the ones pertaining to strengthening of Ayurveda and Homeopathy Medical Services in the state.

The Health Minister brought to the notice of Union State Minister, that funds under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes of AYUSH programme haven't been released by Government of India as yet. This included the supply of essential drugs worth Rs. 1 lac per each of the 524 Ayurvedic dispensaries, release of funds for drugs/diet worth Rs 2.50 lacs per annum  for each of the 7 ISM (Indian System of Medicine) wings at Amritsar, Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Sangrur.

Mittal further emphasized for the early release of funds to the tune of Rs. 2302 lacs for establishing new ISM wings at Mansa, Patiala, Kapurthala, Moga, Muktsar, Faridkot & Fatehgarh Sahib. He further reminded her regarding the proposal given for establishment of 121 specialty clinics in Primary Health Centers for which the second installment of Rs 605 lacs was still pending at the level of Government of India. The state has also proposed an Arogya Mela during 2013-14 at a cost of Rs 35 lacs. Discussions were also held regarding the Punjab State's proposal for upgrading 524 Ayurvedic dispensaries at a cost of Rs. 52 crores.

Mittal further revealed that under the Homeopathy component, the state has requested for release of Rs 25 crore for establishing AYUSH OPD clinics in Community Health Centers, Sub Divisional Hospitals & District Hospital. Another proposal has been sent for setting up AYUSH wings at a cost of Rs. 5 crore in district Allopathic Hospitals. The state has also demanded Rs 221 lacs for upgradation of Homeopathic dispensaries. Further, for streamlining the supply of essential Homeopathic drugs a proposal of Rs. 134 lacs has been submitted to Government of India.

Minister said that the response of Union Minister was very warm and positive and the meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere. He said that he was hopeful for a positive outcome soon as Chaudhry agreed on all the issues.

Punjab's Health Minister said that Santosh Chaudhary has shown keen interest for establishment of  that 2 ISM wings (Indian System of Medicine) and Yoga and Naturopathy Centers should be established in Hoshiarpur and to organise the Arogya Mela at Hoshiarpur.

Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Director Ayurveda, Punjab and Dr. Ramesh Sharda, Director Homeopathic, Punjab also accompanied the Punjab Health Minister to the meeting.