Shillong, April 8: Reinforcing its commitment to universal healthcare, Meghalaya on Tuesday observed World Health Day under the theme “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” with a renewed focus on equitable access, early screening, and strengthening last-mile service delivery.
Health authorities highlighted the state’s on going efforts to make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and inclusive, while calling for greater community participation, particularly in preventive care and early diagnosis.
R. M. Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Government of Meghalaya, stressed the importance of annual health check-ups for families, adding that male participation is crucial when it comes to family health. She said, “We need to take expert knowledge that we receive. Science has transformed lives.” In a word of encouragement to the ASHAs, she praised their relentless commitment, and dedication.
J. S. Momin, DHS (MI), Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya in her speech said, “We are actively addressing the gaps; the state is making significant strides. Meghalaya has strong health infrastructure; there are 489 sub-centers, 110 PHCs, 23 CHCs and 11 district hospitals along with expanding health and wellness delivering primary health services.” She added, “Screening is one of the effective tools, and helps in early treatment.” She also acknowledged the efforts made by ASHAs, who are the backbone of the healthcare delivery system.
Patricia Mukhim, Editor, The Shillong Times, shared her views, “Awareness is important. Health is more about the quality of life that we live. One of the strongest messages we can give is to go for early check-up. We have to set out hope for the masses.”
Dr Robert R. Marak, District Nodal Officer, NP-NCD, stressed on the importance of early screening for NCDs, stating, “We all need to work together collectively to improve community participation for NCD screening as evidence shows that NCDs are silent killers and the leading cause of death worldwide”.
Hiporly Talang, Consultant, NP-NCD, East Khasi Hills shared his insights saying, “Sitting is another type of smoking. Long hours of sitting without activity can harm health and increase disease risk.
Eat food like medicine, or we have to eat medicine like food. Healthy eating prevents disease; unhealthy habits lead to dependence on medicines. The greatest threat of the 21st century is not only the virus or pandemic, but our behavior and lifestyle. Our daily habits play a major role in causing long-term diseases.”
Health experts also delivered talks, including Dr Shailinia Syiem, President of Shillong Obs. and Gyn. Society, who spoke on the topic “Healthy women, healthy community,” focusing on holistic women’s health and the importance of reproductive care. Dr Anisha Mawlong, Head of Oncology, Civil Hospital, Shillong, delivered a talk on cancer screening, stressing the need for early detection and maintaining that it is preventable and curable. Dr Synrang Batngen Warjri, MD DM (Cardiology), The Shillong Heart Clinic, said it is important to undergo screening even among young adults, urging people to take care of their heart.
To commemorate the day, the NCD (Non-Communicable Diseases) Cell under the office of the DM & HO, East Khasi Hills, conducted health screening for non-communicable diseases for individuals aged 30 years and above.
Dignitaries who attended the programme were R. M. Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Government of Meghalaya, J. S. Momin, DHS (MI), Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, Dr (Mrs) AJU Kharduid, DMHO, East Khasi Hills, Dr (Mrs) JK Sangma, Addl DMHO, East Khasi Hills, Patricia Mukhim, Editor, The Shillong Times, Dr Robert R. Marak, District Nodal Officer, NP-NCD, Dr Shailinia Syiem, President of Shillong Obs. and Gyn. Society, Dr Anisha Mawlong, Head of Oncology, Civil Hospital, Shillong, Dr Synrang Batngen Warjri, MD DM (Cardiology), The Shillong Heart Clinic, Hiporly Talang, Consultant, NP-NCD, East Khasi Hills.
