- Statewide survey to establish actual cervical cancer cases, age groups, disease stages and active cases
- RIMS proposes restructuring 319 sanctioned medical faculty posts, creation of 7 super-specialty and 3 broad-specialty departments
- Review held on medical colleges, Abua Health Security Scheme and ambulance services in government hospitals
Ranchi: Protecting adolescent girls and women from cervical cancer remains a priority for the Jharkhand government, but no decision on the proposed Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme will be taken in haste. The state will first undertake an extensive study to establish the actual burden of cervical cancer, followed by consultations with medical experts from India and abroad. A decision on implementation will be taken only after a comprehensive scientific, technical, clinical and safety assessment.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren issued these directions during a review meeting with senior health department officials at the Jharkhand Secretariat on Wednesday. The meeting also discussed expansion of medical education and specialist healthcare services at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), the functioning of medical colleges, health insurance schemes and ambulance services in government hospitals.
Statewide Survey to Establish Actual Cervical Cancer Burden
During the meeting, officials informed the Chief Minister that the estimated cervical cancer incidence in Jharkhand is 13 cases per lakh population. Soren directed the department to conduct a comprehensive statewide survey to establish the actual disease burden instead of relying solely on estimates.
The survey will collect detailed information on the number of cervical cancer patients, their age groups, stage-wise disease distribution and active cases. A comprehensive report will subsequently be prepared to provide a clearer understanding of the disease and the requirements for prevention.
The Chief Minister also directed the formation of an expert committee and consultations with directors of reputed medical institutions, cancer specialists and other relevant experts from India and abroad.
He said the government would take decisions on sensitive health issues with utmost seriousness, caution and a scientific approach. The department was also asked to prevent misinformation and misconceptions regarding HPV vaccination through a comprehensive public awareness campaign providing authentic and accurate information.
Screening Facilities to Be Strengthened at District Hospitals and CHCs
Emphasising early detection and prevention, Soren directed the health department to strengthen cervical cancer screening facilities across the state. District hospitals and Community Health Centres (CHCs) will be encouraged to improve the availability and accessibility of essential diagnostic facilities, including Pap smear tests and HPV DNA tests.
The Chief Minister called for an effective and coordinated action plan to ensure timely detection of serious diseases and better access to healthcare services.
RIMS Proposes Restructuring of 319 Medical Faculty Posts
The meeting also reviewed proposals to strengthen medical education and specialist healthcare services at RIMS, Ranchi. A proposal was presented for restructuring the institute’s 319 sanctioned medical faculty posts and creating seven super-specialty and three broad-specialty departments. Additionally, the creation of 16 new posts was proposed in view of the requirements of medical education and healthcare services.
Under the proposed restructuring, the number of Professor posts will be reduced from 44 to 42, while Associate Professor posts will decrease from 9 to 8. The number of Assistant Professor posts will increase from 95 to 96, and Assistant Professor posts will rise from 170 to 172. The one sanctioned post of Assistant Professor-cum-Statistician will remain unchanged. Consequently, the total sanctioned strength of medical faculty will continue to remain at 319.
The proposed restructuring aims to strengthen specialist medical education, expand super-specialty and broad-specialty services and ensure the availability of qualified medical faculty. The Chief Minister stressed that RIMS, one of the state’s most important medical institutions, must provide better treatment facilities to patients and quality medical education to students.
Hazaribagh, Dumka and Palamu Medical Colleges Also Reviewed
Apart from RIMS, the academic and healthcare arrangements at medical colleges in Hazaribagh, Dumka and Palamu were also reviewed. The Chief Minister was briefed on infrastructure, availability of medical faculty, healthcare facilities and other essential resources at these institutions. Soren emphasised coordinated efforts to expand medical education while ensuring accessible and quality healthcare services for the general public.
Abua Health Security Scheme and Ambulance Services Reviewed
The meeting also discussed the effective implementation of the Mukhyamantri Abua Swasthya Suraksha Yojana and ways to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive maximum benefits. Officials briefed the Chief Minister on provisions for healthcare coverage of up to ₹10 lakh under the scheme and its coordination with Ayushman Bharat.
Soren directed officials to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits effectively and do not face difficulties while undergoing treatment. The functioning and availability of ambulance services in government hospitals were also reviewed. The Chief Minister stressed the need to strengthen ambulance operations to ensure timely emergency medical assistance to people across the state.
He said the government was committed to strengthening the healthcare system and ensuring that its benefits reach the last person in society. Expansion of infrastructure, availability of specialist doctors, medical education and modern healthcare facilities would remain essential priorities.
Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh, Special Secretary Neha Arora, senior health department officials, directors of medical institutions and senior officials of the Building Construction Department attended the meeting.
