In a comprehensive review of the state's healthcare system, Haryana Additional Chief Secretary for Health and Family Welfare, Sumita Misra, conducted a high-level meeting on Monday to assess the overall functioning of the health department. During this pivotal session, Misra issued a series of strategic directions aimed at fortifying patient safety protocols, elevating healthcare quality standards, and promoting a holistic women-centric healthcare approach across all government hospitals in Haryana.
Strengthening Hospital Safety and Infrastructure
Addressing critical concerns following recent fire incidents reported from hospitals nationwide, Misra placed special emphasis on enhancing hospital safety measures. She directed all deputy commissioners and civil surgeons to conduct thorough inspections of electrical wiring, power panels, and other electrical installations within healthcare facilities. Regular safety audits, preventive checks, and timely maintenance of electrical systems have been made mandatory to prevent fire-related accidents and ensure the safety of patients, attendants, and healthcare staff.
To support these vital safety initiatives, Misra assured that necessary funds would be allocated for revamping community health centres, primary health centres, and district hospitals. This financial support will focus specifically on upgrading infrastructure, implementing robust safety mechanisms, and enhancing patient care facilities throughout the state's healthcare network.
Biomedical Waste Management and Hospital Welfare Fund
The review meeting also scrutinized the biomedical waste management system in government hospitals. Misra directed officials to ensure strict compliance with prescribed norms for segregation, collection, and scientific disposal of hospital waste. She stressed the importance of regular monitoring, proper documentation, and close coordination with authorized biomedical waste disposal agencies to prevent health and environmental hazards. The health secretary issued a clear warning that lapses in waste management protocols would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Highlighting the importance of transparent resource utilization, Misra instructed that the Hospital Welfare Fund must be used strictly for its intended purposes. She directed health authorities to prepare and follow clear standard operating procedures for fund utilization, ensuring that expenditures directly benefit patients and contribute to strengthening hospital infrastructure and essential services.
Comprehensive Women-Centric Healthcare Approach
In a significant policy direction, Misra emphasized that healthcare policies should adopt a comprehensive and inclusive approach to women's health, extending well beyond traditional maternal and adolescent care frameworks. She underlined the importance of addressing women's health needs across all life stages, including preventive care, nutrition, mental health support, and age-related health concerns, to ensure holistic wellbeing and improved health outcomes for women throughout Haryana.
Specific Women's Health Initiatives
Misra directed officers to strengthen screening and preventive care programs targeting cervix cancer, breast cancer, anaemia, and osteoporosis among women. Emphasis should be placed on early detection mechanisms, comprehensive awareness campaigns, and accessible screening facilities across the state. She also instructed the department to incorporate menopause management and counseling services as integral components of women's healthcare services.
The health secretary further underlined the importance of menstrual hygiene management, calling for increased awareness initiatives, wider availability of hygienic products, and integration of hygiene practices into routine public health programs. Improving overall hygiene standards within healthcare institutions was also identified as a priority area requiring immediate attention.
Enhancing Neonatal Healthcare Facilities
The review meeting dedicated significant attention to improving neonatal healthcare facilities across Haryana. Misra directed that Neonatal Intensive Care Units and newborn care services should be substantially strengthened to reduce infant mortality rates and improve survival outcomes. This initiative represents a crucial component of the state's broader strategy to enhance maternal and child health indicators through targeted infrastructure development and specialized care protocols.
Through these comprehensive directives, Haryana's health department under Sumita Misra's leadership is positioning itself to address multiple healthcare challenges simultaneously—from infrastructure safety and waste management to specialized women's health services and neonatal care improvements. The multi-faceted approach demonstrates a commitment to creating a more resilient, patient-centered healthcare system that prioritizes both preventive measures and quality treatment across all demographic groups within the state.
