Public, Pvt sectors must join hands for univ healthcare: Gogoi

Public and private sectors must join hands together to reach out to the poor and needy through universal access to healthcare, said Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today.
"Reaching out to the poor and needy through universal access to healthcare is the prime need of the hour. Public and private sectors must join hands together to make this happen," Gogoi said at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organised conclave on healthcare here.
Medical cost, which has become highly exorbitant, must be made cost effective and affordable so that the poor and the needy can avail healthcare services, he said at the two-day North East Healthcare Conclave - Building Eco-System for Quality Healthcare Delivery.

"Universal access to healthcare is the biggest challenge and to overcome it we must ensure affordable and accessible healthcare services for the greatest good of the greatest number," the Chief Minister said.
Underscoring the need for synergy between health and education, Gogoi said creating awareness on cleanliness and hygiene was the best way to prevent diseases.
"Proper sanitation, pure drinking water and cleanliness can help to prevent many diseases," he said. Emphasising on the pressing need for good para-medics to strengthen medical services, Gogoi said the rural health practitioners created by the state government have been doing a good job.

"There is need for rural health practitioners and other para-medics to strengthen the rural health services in the state. The Indian Medical Council should recognise the importance of rural health practitioners," he said.