Top priority to Digital Health Mission norms, says Chittoor Collector

Stating that public health awareness remains a key priority of the government, District Collector Sumit Kumar on Tuesday directed officials to submit primary health centre (PHC)-wise reports detailing diagnostic tests conducted by lab technicians and procedures followed for recording test results across the district.

Addressing a review meeting with officials of the Medical and Health department at Apollo Hospitals and Christian Medical College Hospital (CMC) Cheelapalle campus here, the Collector issued the guidelines as part of the Digital Health Mission.

The Collector focused on the safe storage of electronic health records and the delivery of healthcare. Mr. Sumit Kumar highlighted the importance of awareness of lung-related diseases and cancer, and called for creating greater public vigilance. “Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke and cancer are emerging as major health challenges among both men and women. Door-to-door screening of people above the age of 18 will help in early detection and timely preventive care, significantly reducing mortality,” he said.

The Collector instructed the officials of the other departments and stakeholders to complete arrangements for conducting haemoglobin (HB) tests at the Bangarupalem cluster hospital. He said equipment for lung diagnostic tests had already been procured, and plans were under way to acquire advanced equipment for lung examinations at the PHC in Gangadhara Nellore.

Calling for coordinated efforts, he instructed the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) and District Coordinator of Health Services (DCHO) to work jointly to ensure quality healthcare services for the poor, assuring that funds would be sanctioned for medicines and medical equipment.