The India Post, Chandigarh 5th February , 2009 :Strongly advocating the need for increasing the outreach of the quality healthcare delivery system to every household of the rural areas and municipal limits, the Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM, today asked the Health Department of UT Administration for developing an IT based online strong healthcare network with its technological connectivity with PGIMER and other super specialty hospitals in the region for ensuring specialized treatment to the needy patients. He said that we have latest advanced technologies available with us and there is a need for establishing a partnership with the community and integrate IT with rural health practices by the contributors from all sectors such as Government Hospitals, Charitable Clinics and other Community based organizations engaged in patient care.
Accompanied by Mrs. Jean Rodrigues, the Administrator inaugurated the Health Check up Camp and Social Welfare Oriented Awareness Camp at Mauli Jagran organized by the various departments of the Administration with active involvement of NGOs like Sri Guru Granth Sahib Sewa Society and Brig. Kataria Healthcare Foundation. He emphasized the need of adopting a synergistic approach to preventive healthcare and public health issues relating to health like sanitation, hygiene and proper nutrition.
General Rodrigues, during his visit to the stalls of State AIDS Control Society and Maternal & Child Protection Programme, General Rodrigues expressed his anguish over the alarming increase in number of AIDS cases and maternal mortality rate, despite various programmes and action plans in place. He asked the heads of these programmes to conduct a colony-wise and village-wise survey and take effective measures to tackle these problems by focusing our attention on the vulnerable areas. He emphasized the need of preparing case history and also requisite data in respect of every AIDS patient and ensure systematic and proper care. Similarly, he said that infant mortality rate should be checked and bring it to zero level by generating awareness among the people and strengthening healthcare network.
General and Mrs. Jean Rodrigues also went around different stands of Social Welfare activities and interacted with the beneficiaries of various schemes including pension for old, disabled and widows, and financial assistance to poor people desirous for setting up their own businesses to earn their livelihood. They interacted with the ladies and listened to their problems. The Administrator also inquired about the school infrastructure and asked the Home Secretary and DPI (Schools) to upgrade it keeping in view the growing demands of school needs. He also asked the village panchayat to actively evolve in safety of school building and infrastructure after school timings.
Later, the Administrator laid the foundation stone of Block-B in Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology, Sector 26, being constructed at an estimated cost of about Rs.6.87 crores. He interacted with the faculty & students and asked them to suggest ways and means for further bringing improvement in the infrastructure development and academic programmes to make it a world- class institution. He reminded them their role in building a New Resurgent India, empowering our people and giving them a better life.
Senior officers who accompanied the Administrator during the visit included Mr. Ram Niwas, Home Secretary, Mr.Sanjay Kumar, Finance Secretary, Mr.Roshan Sankaria, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Dr. M.S. Bains, Director Health Services, Mr. Samwartak Singh, DPI (Schools) and Ms. Amandeep Kaur, Director Social Welfare.