The 13th Conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW), recently took place in India’s capital city, New Delhi. The meeting aimed to establish consensus on the country’s health priorities, focusing on two key areas.
Striving to Increase Health Budgets
The first priority centered on increasing health budgets by the Centre and the States/Union territories. As per the National Health Policy of 2017, there is a requirement for collective healthcare spending by the Centre and States/UTs to achieve a target of 2.5% of the GDP by 2025.
Strengthening Medical Infrastructure
The focus also lay upon strengthening medical infrastructure, with specific goals towards achieving Universal Health Coverage through Ayushman Bharat. Simultaneously, efforts were concentrated on addressing National Health Mission agendas and wiping out tuberculosis along with other communicable diseases. The conference brought light to four pillars of healthcare – mission mode interventions, quality, accessible and affordable healthcare services, universal health coverage, and adequate health infrastructure.
Facts About the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW)
| Council Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Established | 1988 |
| Chairperson | Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare |
| Vice-Chairperson | Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare |
World Sight Day Observance: Report Reveals National Eye-Health Conditions
In observance of World Sight Day, which is commemorated annually on the second Thursday of October, reports on ‘National Diabetes & Diabetic Retinopathy Survey India 2015-19’ and on ‘National Blindness & Visual Impairment Survey India 2015-19’ were publicized. It was revealed that one out of eight people above fifty years is diabetic, and one out of every forty-six diabetics is blind.
Launch of Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN)
Numerous initiatives were launched at the conference, one being the Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN). The initiative aims towards achieving zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal of 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
Other Initiatives and Guidelines Introduced
Other crucial initiatives that were unveiled included two info-leaflets on suicide prevention in light of World Mental Health Day, Guidelines on Drugs and Diagnostic Service Initiative, Guidelines for Biomedical Equipment Management & Maintenance Programme, and Guidelines for Peritoneal Dialysis under Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme.
Fostering Cooperation Between Public & Private Sector
Lastly, the necessity for enhanced engagement with private entities to boost public sector efforts was underlined. This would result in equitable health infrastructure by increasing the number of beds and hospitals, enabling the nation to meet global health infrastructure standards. It was emphasized that effective healthcare cannot be accomplished without the commitment of States & UTs and their political leadership. The cooperation displayed in the GST Council could serve as an encouraging model to reach the desired targets.
