Bhubaneswar, Apr 7: April 7, the date marks the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948. The first World Health Day was celebrated and observed in 1950, after April 7 was set aside as a designated date to celebrate the creation of WHO in 1948 in the First Health Assembly. On this day WHO added that “well-being” economies have “human well-being, equity and ecological sustainability” as its goals.
“Health is Wealth”, the age-old proverb, is a very definite, eternal and unquestionable truth for time immemorial. Nothing goes hand in hand and at heart when a living-being leaves this cosmic world. “I’m ailment-free, have no diseases expect the natural aging”; hardly very few of us can say this for sure. On April 7, the World Health Day celebration, reminds all of us about this priceless Mantra.
This year the World Health Organization has chosen “Our Planet, Our Health” as the theme of this day. The choice of this theme has been driven by the Corona Virus Pandemic, pollution and an increasing incidence of fatal diseases. Moreover WHO “appeals the world and stress on to focus global attention on urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on well-being”.
On the observation of this Day today, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has offered his deep gratitude to all healthcare professionals who worked with unparalleled commitment and dedication to save precious lives and provide relentless health services during the Worl pandemic.
On #WorldHealthDay, offer my deep gratitude to all healthcare professionals who worked with unparalleled commitment & dedication to save precious lives during #COVID19 pandemic. Reiterate commitment to ensure quality and affordable healthcare for a Sustha Odisha & Sukhi Odisha. pic.twitter.com/bfbBaz4lKw
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) April 7, 2022
It’s pertinent to mention here that Odisha was the first-ever state in India to clamp Covid-19 restrictions in initiating strict measures. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had ordered immediate closure of large number of public places March 13, 2020; even though the state had not reported a single case of COVID-19 infection.
State control rooms were made operational after the first case was reported March 15 and capacity building of the district level health officials on pandemic preparedness, response activities including public awareness campaigns on hand-washing and respiratory etiquettes were initiated, the world body reiterated. The state was first in establishing one of India’s biggest 1000-bed dedicated COVID-19 hospitals in a record time of just one week. Besides, 30 dedicated district COVID hospitals were also set up.
For all these novel and fore-runner measures, WHO has lauded the Odisha government for its effective management as well as community-based strategies in the fight against COVID-19.
The Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana which was launched on 15th August, 2018 by the Odisha government was also a land-mark of its kind. This features cashless health services in all State Government health care facilities to economically vulnerable families starting from Sub center level to Government Medical College and Hospitals and all Government Blood Bank level. All treatment is cashless and no document is required to be produced. This card also facilitates free healthcare beyond Government Medical College hospitals for over 70 lakh families, through annual health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per annum (Rs. 10lakh for women members) per family per annum in private empanelled hospitals within and outside the State & all Government Hospitals and premier health institutes outside the State. All Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana card holders, BPL card holder, AAY card holders and low income families are covered under these benefits.
mobilenews24x7 bureau
