SRINAGAR, AUGUST 27: Tribal Affairs Department today finalized the modalities of inter-departmental convergence to provide Mobile hospitals and dispensaries for healthcare of nomadic population, mobile veterinary dispensaries, medical equipment and infrastructure in tribal areas. A budget of Rs 20 crore has been earmarked for the project.
Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary discussed the modalities in a meeting with Health and Family Welfare Department, Animal Husbandry Department, Jammu/Kashmir and Sheep Husbandry Department, Jammu/ Kashmir besides Tribal Affairs directorate, planning and finance officers. Director State Motor Garages briefed about the modalities of procurement and establishment.
The Department has approved an outlay of Rs 20 crore for providing these facilities which includes provision of Mobile Medical Units and Health Clinics on routes adopted for migration by nomadic tribal population, Ambulances for health institutions in tribal areas, mobile Veterinary Clinics and facilities for Sheep Husbandry Departments professional at highland pastures for making veterinary healthcare services available during migration seasons.
Directorates of Health Services have been provided an outlay of Rs 5 crore for Mobile Health Clinics in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar, Bandipora, Anantnag, Pulwama and Kupwara. The department was also informed about additional outlay of Rs 5 crore for which plan for rest of the districts was sought. Machinery and equipment for various healthcare institutions to the tune of Rs 3.50 crore was also approved.
Mobile Veterinary Clinics were approved for Sheep Husbandry Department, Jammu/ Kashmir, and providing residential Pre-fabricated accommodation at tribal highland habitations. Construction of Veterinary Centres were also approved. The outlay of Rs 5 crore has been earmarked for veterinary and livestock healthcare services.
Inter-departmental committee with representatives from Health & FW, Sheep Husbandry, Animal Husbandry and State Motor Garages will finalise specifications for mobile medical clinics and mobile veterinary clinics to be procured for tribal areas and migratory transit routes. Financial Advisor of Tribal Affairs Department shall be co-opted member of the committee.
Dr Shahid appreciated the proactive role played by Departments of Health & FW, Sheep Husbandry and Animal Husbandry for planning immediate developmental measures aimed at tribal welfare. He expressed gratitude to field officers for their dedicated efforts transforming into visible action in a very short span of time.
Modalities for Cluster Tribal Model Village and Milk Village were also discussed. It was decided to obtain a model DPR for Healthcare, Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry as component of Model Village to ensure socio-economic welfare at grassroots level. The departments resolved for time-bound efforts to ensure early procurement and availability of mobile healthcare and veterinary facilities in various districts. (KDC)
