ITANAGAR, May 29: “Fifteen years ago, one of the best decisions was taken…to open a multi-specialty hospital in the heart of Itanagar, capital of the state,” said Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema attending the 15th Foundation Day celebration of the Heema Hospital here this morning.
Appreciating the hospital’s CMD and founder Dr Byabang Rana for the decision to open a private hospital in the state capital, Khandu called upon local entrepreneurs to invest in similar ventures that would help people in need.
He said the health sector is one of the most demanding and the government alone cannot fulfill healthcare needs of the people.
“Deteriorating health is one the biggest negative effects of modernity and development. As we become more dependent on technology, our lifestyle takes an impact. There is not much physical activity these days, which has made man prone to various diseases and therefore demands better and extensive healthcare facilities,” Khandu pointed out.
He informed that the state government has recently adopted an Industrial Investment Policy to assist private investments in the state.
“I would suggest that investment in healthcare and tourism sectors may be included under the policy so that private hospitals like Heema may also be benefited,” he said.
Lauding the management of the hospital for virtually inaugurating a new branch of Heema at Nirjuli as part of the day’s program, Khandu requested them to spread out to other districts, if possible from Pasighat, the state’s oldest city.
He also endorsed legislator and Advisor Health Balo Raja’s appeal to the Heema Hospital management to open one branch in Kurung Kumey district at Palin as founders of the hospital originally hail from the district.
“I appreciate the management for promptly accepting the request. I believe people should give back to their home district in whatever way possible,” Khandu observed.
The state government, he said, has taken health on priority, especially after the COVID surge and informed that 18 District Hospitals are being upgraded.
“Several district hospitals have been already dedicated to the people after the upgrade. Work on others are nearing completion. We have not remained confined to the district hospitals but are reaching to the primary health centres and community health centres too. This financial year 60 identified PHCs and CHCs will be upgraded, one each in every assembly constituency into Model Units, which would be called Golden Jubilee PHCs and CHCs,” he informed.
Earlier, the Chief Minister, in presence of Raja, Chief Secretary (in charge) Dr Sharat Chandra, TRIHMS Director Dr Moji Jini, Heema Hospital CMD Dr Byabagn Rana, Medical Superintendent Dr Kezang Wangdi and others, dedicated to the people new facilities of MRI 1.5 Tesla, Elastography 4D Ultrasound, Histopathology and Cytopathology laboratory, one new Gynae and Obs ward and two floors of dedicated parking lot in the hospital’s new building.
