Active participation of public representatives is needed for an effective outreach of National Health Mission (NHM) programme, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said today.
"Irrespective of which political party they belong to, involvement of the public representatives at all levels whether they be pradhans, ward members, MLAs and MPs will enhance the outreach and effectiveness of the NHM.
"These public represntatives are moving around going to the nook and corner of their constituency, they know better than us. The people's representatives will not only bring their experience and knowledge from the ground level to the programmes, but will also ensure in creating effective accountability structures," Nadda said at the 8th Common Review Mission of the NHM.
Stressing on the importance of field visits, Nadda pointed out that it was important for the officers to personally go on field visits to gather first-hand information on the implementation of the programmes under the NHM.
"One look is better than 100 reports. Field visits have the potential to surpass the effectiveness of several printed reports and can make substantial difference," he stated.
The Health Minister also mentioned that fund utilization by the states should be outcome oriented. This will help in optimum utilization of the allocated funds.
"Funds should be tied to the outcomes at the micro level," he said.
Nadda further pointed out that in keeping with the Prime Minister's vision of Swachch Bharat, hospitals should also ensure that cleanliness is part of their core activities.
"There has to be an active involvement of the people visiting the hospitals, NGOs and people's representatives in sensitising the people towards this aim," he said.
