Rajasthan to set up directorate-level cancer cell; Health Secy reviews maternal care and seasonal disease preparedness
Jaipur, July 24
Rajasthan will establish a cancer cell at the directorate level to strengthen cancer screening and awareness across the state, Principal Secretary Gayatri Rathore said during a review meeting on Friday.
Chairing a video conference from Swasthya Bhawan with Superintendents of medical colleges, Principal Medical Officers (PMOs), and Chief Medical and Health Officers (CMHOs), Rathore reviewed maternal healthcare services, cancer screening, and preparedness for seasonal diseases.
He directed that gynaecologists posted at all government delivery centres be mentored by specialists from medical colleges in their respective districts.
She instructed officials to schedule one-hour video conferencing sessions over the next five days to familiarise doctors with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other essential clinical protocols.
She also reviewed the status of normal and Caesarean deliveries reported during the previous 24 hours and directed officials to closely monitor treatment for pregnant women suffering from severe anaemia.
She emphasised timely blood transfusions, ACF injections, and iron sucrose therapy to reduce cases of severe anaemia.
Principal Secretary Rathore also directed that the appointment of 'Prasav Sakhis' (birth companions) and the establishment of dedicated Prasav Sakhi counters in all hospitals be completed by the end of the week.
During the meeting, B.S. Jodha, Principal and Controller of SNMC Medical College in Jodhpur, made a presentation on the Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG) used in managing postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).
Rathore directed that NASG garments be provided in all 108 emergency ambulances through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and instructed that paramedical staff receive training in their use.
Additional Mission Director (NHM), T. Shubhamangala, presented findings from inspections conducted at MCHN centres and district hospitals in Dausa and Sikar.
Based on the inspection report, Rathore ordered the issuance of a chargesheet to Subhash Biloniya, Principal Medical Officer of Dausa, for failing to follow prescribed SOPs in the labour room and operation theatre.
She also directed action against a member of the nursing staff.
To strengthen cancer control efforts, Rathore announced that a Cancer Cell will be established at the directorate level.
She directed officials to ensure the optimal use of the state's cancer screening vans and instructed that information about screening camps be publicised at least 10 days in advance.
CMHOs were also asked to prepare a monthly calendar for organising cancer screening camps.
With the monsoon season underway, Rathore instructed health officials to begin preparations for the prevention and control of seasonal diseases and maintain heightened vigilance across the state.
The meeting was attended by NHM Mission Director Jogaram, Medical Education Commissioner Babulal Goyal, RMSCL Managing Director Pukhraj Sain, Public Health Director Ravi Prakash Sharma, RCH Director Madhu Rateshwar, and other senior health department officials.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great to see Prasav Sakhis getting official counters! As someone who has seen the challenges in rural maternal care, this video conferencing mentoring of gynaecologists by specialists is a game-changer. Hope the NASG training for paramedics in ambulances is implemented fast—postpartum hemorrhage is no joke.
All well and good, but what about the actual availability of iron sucrose therapy and ACF injections in remote PHCs? Severe anaemia needs sustained supplies, not just directives. Also, let's see if the cancer cell actually leads to better screening rates or becomes another bureaucratic layer. 🤔
Establishing a Cancer Cell is a welcome move, but we need to decentralize beyond Jaipur. Cancer screening camps in rural areas of Barmer or Banswara remain limited. Also, tying NASG supply to CSR is good, but state should directly fund such critical equipment. Still, I'm cautiously optimistic. 👍
Proud to see Rajasthan taking proactive steps for maternal health, especially the mentoring of gynaecologists. The focus on seasonal disease prep is also timely with monsoon. But we must ensure these SOPs reach the ground level—too often, decisions in Swasthya Bhawan don't translate to action in Sikar or Dausa. Let's hope this time is different 🙏
Chargesheet for PMO Dausa is a strong signal—finally some accountability! The Prasav Sakhis are a brilliant idea existing for years, but poor implementation; let's see if this weekly deadline holds. Also, cancer screening vans are useless if
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