ITANAGAR, July 24: Arunachal Pradesh is set to undergo significant healthcare reforms aimed at enhancing the quality and affordability of health services.

Emphasizing the need for quality healthcare, the state government has aligned its efforts with the Prime Minister's vision that "Healthcare has to be of good quality, and it must be affordable."

Announcing the major development as a part of the Arunachal Pradesh Budget 2024-25, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said over the past three years, the state's vaccination coverage for children has risen substantially, with the percentage of fully immunized children increasing from 68% to 79.41%.

“The government aims to achieve 100% immunization within the next five years, supported by Direct Benefit Transfers to facilitate timely vaccinations,” Mein said.

The government has unveiled the Arogya Bhava initiative, which includes five key provisions:

Distribution of CMAAY and PM-JAY cards to eligible beneficiaries.

Expansion of the Free Diagnostic Scheme.

24x7 availability of free ambulance services, including at least one ALS Ambulance in each basin and district.

Provision of free essential life-saving drugs.

Universal screening for lifestyle diseases for individuals above 35 years.

Additionally, the government will continue to provide cashless health insurance cover of ?5 lakh to over 7 lakh residents.

Significant investments include the upgrade of Bakin Pertin General Hospital in Pasighat to a 300-bed facility, with an allocation of ?100 crore, and the establishment of a State Cancer Institute at Midpu, Itanagar, with funding of ?217 crore.

New infrastructure developments include CT scan facilities in Tezu, MRI facilities in Pasighat, and mortuaries across multiple districts.

The state will also enhance the operation and maintenance of ICUs, PICUs, HDUs, and oxygen-supported beds.

The Chief Minister Health Emergency Life Protection Services will be strengthened with the establishment of CM-HELPS Skill Labs in Aalo, Tezu, and Khonsa. Continued support is also pledged for the Mukhya Mantri Rogi Kalyan Kosh and Mukhya Mantri Mansik Swasthya Yojana.

To address drug abuse and HIV infections, the state has established five state-of-the-art Drug De-Addiction Centres and the Arunachal Pradesh Drug De-Addiction Society under the Mukhya Mantri Nasha Mukti Yojana. In the past year, 1,050 cases were treated across nine districts.

A budget allocation of ?709 crore has been proposed for the department of health and family welfare this year, underscoring the state’s commitment to advancing its healthcare infrastructure and services.