Training for healthcare workers on CPHC underway

DIMAPUR — A three-day training of trainers of district community mobilisers (DCM) and block ASHA coordinators (BAC) on expanded packages of services under comprehensive primary health care (CPHC) at Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centre (AB-HWC) got underway on Tuesday at the conference hall of DUDA Guest House in Kohima.

Speaking at the inaugural programme, Dr. Akuo Sorhie, mission director of National Health Mission, stated that DCM, BAC and ASHA play a vital role in between the community and the Health department, stated an update from the Health department.

With the paradigm shift which envisaged towards universal health coverage to bring health care to all by reaching to the unreached population with complete health package, she mentioned that ASHA has got much wider assignment under the CPHC objectives.

Dr. Akuo stated that their roles and responsibilities have increased manifold over the years from a link worker or social mobilisers to a bigger role under the CPHC as well as for the DCM and BAC being the coordinators.

She expressed hope that the training would further enhance their knowledge in tackling the added assignment with more confidence to provide quality healthcare service at all levels. She further appealed to recommit themselves in giving the highest priority to the flagship programme and transform the public healthcare delivery system in the state.

Dr. Mereninla Senlem, NHM state programme officer, while giving an overview of the extended health packages under CPHC, informed that the concept of national health policy on universal health coverage was to deliver healthcare services at the doorstep of the people. In this regard, she stated that ASHA, DCM and BAC have importance role to play.

She further urged all the participants to make the most of the three-day programme in learning and clearing their doubts.

NHM deputy director, Dr. Manyau Phom, who chaired the programme, stated that ToT have the responsibility to train more than 2000 ASHAs in the state. He was of the opinion that unless they are trained properly, they would not be able to fulfill the target.

He appealed to the DCM and BAC to make sure that all the health indicators are improved in the state.

Report stated that the participants would be trained on the additional extended  packages of non-communicable diseases, oral health, ENT, eye, elderly care, palliatives care, mental health, emergency care (burns, trauma and accident) during the three-day programme.