Health Ministry earmarks Rs. 1013 core for North Eastern states under NRHM

The Union Health Ministry has earmarked Rs. 1013 crore under the Nation Rural Health Mission (NRHM) for the North Eastern states under various schemes for the year 2007-08.

New Delhi, May 25 : The Union Health Ministry has earmarked Rs. 1013 crore under the Nation Rural Health Mission (NRHM) for the North Eastern states under various schemes for the year 2007-08.

This was stated by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Anbumani Ramadoss while inaugurating the second review meeting of health programmes in North Eastern States on Friday.

"We are ready to infuse larger amounts into the health systems in the North Eastern States for which they should demonstrate by effective and timely utilisation of funds," said Ramadoss.

"Necessary flexibilities have also been provided to enable the States to plan and tailor the strategies to their needs," he added.

Ramadoss further said that the Ministry has taken over the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal and Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing, Aizawl and would take over the LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur during the year.

"We will strive to make these Institutes as Centres of Excellence," he added.

Health Ministers from the eight North Eastern States also participated in the meeting.

The last review meeting of health programmes in North Eastern States was held in Guwahati in November 2006.

The NRHM was launched on April 12, 2005 with the objective to provide universal access to equitable, affordable and quality health care, which is accountable and responsive to the needs of the people.

ANI