The Arunachal Times - Archives

Singh calls for additional force, recruitment of Arunachal Scouts within state

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Gen JJ Singh has requested for additional forces of Assam Rifles and Army in the insurgency inflicted areas of the State. He made this request during a meeting with Defense Minister AK Antony at South Block, New Delhi today.

Emphasizing zero tolerance on insurgency and terrorism, the Former Chief of Indian Army stressed on the importance of the regular Security Core Group meetings. He insisted attendance of senior army officials in it.

The Security Core Group, which was set up at the initiative of the Governor, had met four times.

While expressing gratefulness to the Union Minister for sanctioning of a Battalion of Arunachal Scouts, the Governor impressed upon him for expediting the process of recruitment. He insisted that recruitment process be carried out within the state.

Gen Singh further urged upon Defence Minister for up-gradation of Advance Landing Ground (ALGs) to secondary or subsidiary Airports to promote tourism. (PRO, Raj Bhavan)

Centre committed to development of roads in NE: Khandela

MOS on two day visit to Tawang

Tawang, Apr 7: The centre attaches very high priority to development of primary roads connecting State capitals, districts, and backward and remote areas in North Eastern States.

This was informed by Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Mahadeo Singh Khandela at a review meeting in Tawang on the progress of road development in the state.

He said apart from “Special road development programme for North East (SARDP-NE) there is also a plan to invest huge funds amounting to more than Rs. 50,000 crore for development of roads of North East.”

He requested the government to expedite land acquisition and forest and environment clearances.

Minister, PWD Nabam Tuki, and PWD Chief Engineer Bora Ete, officials from BRO, GREF were present.

Apart from connecting Itanagar with Nagaon under East-West corridor by 4-lane highway, all the 16 district headquarters of Arunachal Pradesh including the district headquarters of forward sectors such as Tawang, Koloriang, Anini, and Hawaii are to be connected by proper 2-lane roads.

Under SARDP-NE in Arunachal Pradesh, improvement of about 3500 km roads out of 10,000 km is being taken up, he said.

He said that works on Tawang-Nechipu sector has already started and would be completed by March 2013.

Two major projects of more than 700 km from Nechipu to Pangin will be awarded to a major construction company, to complete the construction of 2-lane highway by March 2015. Bridges will also be constructed to link the district headquarters of the state, he added.

The Ministry has sanctioned a project connecting Lumla with Tashigaon bordering Bhutan. Earmarked at a cost of 85 crore, the 47km length will provide proper linkage between the people of Tawang and Bhutan and will be taken up by BRO. The road will also come handy for defense establishment.

The Ministry has also taken up construction of inter basin roads from Taliha to Tato and Bile-Migging to connect the inter valley population of Arunachal Pradesh.

Nabam Tuki put assured the Minister that the works would be complete within the stipulated time and in case of technical problems, he requested the Minister to send a technical expert for proper guidance.

Tuki said that present CRF Scheme of 20 crore 43 lakh be increased to 40 crore and its ratio be revised at 90:10, maintenance fund for national highways, proposal for 3-tunnel roads, ropeway paths, porter tracks. He further appealed for a separate regional office of MoRTH in the state capital, Itanagar.

Er. Bora Ete, updated the road projects being implemented in Arunachal Pradesh under SARDP-NE and others while assuring that all projects would complete by 2013-2015. He informed that out of total 2319 tentative length (km), Arunachal Pradesh PWD would cover 350.50 Km with BRO getting a 842 Km while the rest 126.50 km would be taken up by Assam PWD.

Clearing the doubts of the land acquisition in the widening of roads under the Trans-highway, Ete said that the land acquisition and compensation would be dealt by as per the Jhum Land Regulation Act, 1946. Respective Deputy Commissioners would be the chairperson for any land acquisition.

On Feb 24, the first high level meeting under the chair of land commissioner has fixed the compensatory rates.

20 karatekas to take part in NE Games

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Arunachal Karate do Association (AKA) has announced a 22 - member state karate team, which also included two officials, for the ensuing North East Games to be held at Shillong, Meghalaya from April 19 to 23.

The team picked during the selection trial held on April five at SAI, SAG, Naharlagun, includes 11 men and nine women.

The selected players are, Men: Neta Menjo, Arun Mega, PC Dingla, L Lej, Sinne Mikhu, Wangcha Lowang, Dunun Miyu, Likha Rajen, Tam Tapak, N Jomoh, T Raju. Women: Oyi Lebang, Tap Mania, Juna Dada, Bamang Yakum, Chumpi Chege, Rei Yadi, Chunnu Sangno, D Yakap, Yomken Noshi. Coach: Nanu Sangha, Manager: B Marik.

Patel Engineering employee beaten to death

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: A Geologist working with Patel Engineering Hydro Power developer in West Kameng succumbed to his injuries after being beaten up by three youths from Rahung in West Kameng on March 31.

In a bizarre incident, three boys who were allegedly in drunken condition broke open the two rented accommodation which was being shared by three employees of Patel Engineering and mercilessly beat them up.

Later, the three badly injured employees were referred to Tezpur after initial treatment at Bomdila. The Geologist died while on the way to Tezpur.

SP West Kameng when contacted by this daily said that three boys have been arrested and weapons used recovered. A case has been registered but investigation is on as the statement of the employees is yet to be recorded.

The boys allegedly beat up the employees after being denied a vehicle which they had wanted to use. However the picture will be clear once the employees return after treatment from Tezpur.

Arunachalee cricketers shine in Assam T20

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: The Arunachal Cricket team received the “Fair Play” team award in the All Assam Open T20 Cricket Tournament, which concluded on April six last.

Beside the ‘Fair Play’ award, the awards for ‘Best Wicketkeeper’ and ‘Best Wicket Cracker’ also went to Arunachalee players.

While Kamsa Yangfo was adjudged the ‘Best Wicketkeeper’ of the tournament for some of his fine catches behind the wicket, Tana Radh was chosen as the ‘Best Wicket Cracker’ of the tournament for grabbing few crucial wickets.

Suhel Hussain of Arunachal Pradesh was adjudged the ‘Man of the Match’ for his all round performance in the match against Tezpur Cricket Coaching Centre. Suhel scored 51 runs and took two wickets in that match.

DNB Club, North Lakhimpur won the tournament defeating Tezpur Cricket Club by 19 runs yesterday. The tournament was organized by AJYCP.

The closing ceremony held yesterday was attended by Rana Pratap Baruah, president, Asom Jatiyotabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) and Pulak Baruah, a member of Assam Cricket Association.

State NCP calls for proper strategy for peace in Tirap-Changlang

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Arunachal Pradesh today urged the state Home Minister to work out a proper plan and strategy for total security coverage in Tirap and Changlang so that common people realize the democracy and peace in real sense.

Stating that law and order situation all over the state is far from satisfactory, the NCP said nabbing the ultra suspected to have played a major role in the assassination of late MP Wangcha Rajkumar has rekindled a ray of hope in the mind of the people of the state. The party in a release lauded the Assam Rifles, administration and other security forces working in Tirap and Changlang for their tireless effort to ensure peace.

Sanjoy calls for dialogues and legal recourse

R. N. Lalum

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Member of Parliament Takam Sanjoy said that instead of violence and agitations, problems and issues should be resolved through meaningful dialogues and legal provisions. He said this while attending Mopin Festival at Himey, Kangku Circle, West Siang District yesterday. Recalling students’ movements on boundary Problems and Chakma and Hajong refugee issues of earlier times he said that those periods of violence and agitations are over and time has come to take legal recourse and dialogues.

He assured the people of the area that he would call on the Chief Minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi on boundary issue. He further assured to take personal initiative on the proposed Construction of Road from Paka Gongo, in Upper Subansiri District to Gogamukh, via Kangku circle in West Siang District under NEC.

Sanjoy further said that from the very beginning the state government has encouraged the Public Sector Undertakings like NHPC and NEEPCO for resource management and taping of Hydro Power Potentials of Arunachal Pradesh. He called on the the Executive Director, NHPC Lower Subansiri Power Project to take up welfare measures for those residing in the nearby catchment areas of the project site. Later, he also visited the project site of NHPC Lower Subansiri Power Project and expressed satisfaction over the progress of the project.

The MP further proposed celebration of Arunachal Festival at the National Capital from next year onwards to promote the rich tradition and culture of Arunachalees. MLA Jomde Kena and Executive Director, NHPC Gerukhamukh B.R.Saraf, also spoke on the occasion.

TIRBIN: Mopin was celebrated at Tirbin Mopin Ground on April 6 with traditional fervor.

Basar ADC Ameya Abhyankar was the guest of honour. In his speech in Galo language, Abhyankar advised the students to dedicate themselves to achieve the goal of education and preserve own culture and tradition.

Gojen Gadi, Parliamentary secretary, tourism attended the festival as chief guest. He was accompanied by all heads of the department.

Sorang alleges misuse of funds

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Alleging misuse of funds under BADP schemes in Pip-Sorang block, amounting to over Rs 2 crore by concerned officials and contractors without executing any work, former MLA of Tali, Takam Sorang wrote to the Chief Secretary to get the work sites verified by the govt-constituted Third Party Monitoring Committee. Informing that the Centre had released Rs 1.13 crore against BADP (normal) and Rs 3 crore against BADP (Additional) to meet up critical gaps at border villages in Pipsorang during this fiscal, Sorang alleged the officials concerned submitted the bills against the sanctioned schemes (normal) without any site verification and disbursed Rs 2.60 crore. He said that works have not executed at the border villages.

Lawyer allegedly assaulted at Court premises

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Jaweplu Chai an advocate was allegedly assaulted up by one Taim Kri, an Junior Engineer with Water resources department in East Kameng district. The incident happened at the Court Premises of Tezu. Later he assaulted her at the Magistrate’s Chamber as well. Advocate in a compliant with the Officer in Charge Tezu PS has called for stringent action against the engineer. A case has been registered at Tezu Police Station.

Chai is also the President of All Mishmi Women’s Welfare Society.

Health and changing environment

Dear Editor,

The World Health Organization (WHO) came into existence on 7th April, 1948. Since then, this day is observed as World Health Day by the International community. Today environment related issues that affect our health have been one of the most important triggers in the increasing awareness of the need for better environment management. The changes in our environment induced by human activities in every sphere of life have had an influence on our health patterns. The assumption that the only indicator of human progress is economic growth is not true. We expect urbanization and industrialization to bring in prosperity but on the downside, it leads to diseases related to overcrowding and poor quality drinking water, resulting in an increase in water-borne diseases like diarrhea and air-borne bacterial diseases like tuberculosis. High density city traffic leads to an increase in respiratory disease.

Agricultural pesticides that enhanced food production during the Green Revolution have affected both the farmers and the consumers. Modern medicine healed many infectious diseases through antibiotics, but bacteria have found ways to develop resistant strains frequently even changing their behaviour in the process making it necessary to keep on inventing newer antibiotics. Many drugs have proved to have serious side-effects. Thus development has created several long-term health problems while better health care has led to longer life span, coupled with lowered infant mortality. It has also led to unprecedented growth in our population which has negative implications on environmental quality. A better health status of society will bring about a better way of life only if it is coupled with stabilizing population growth.

Environmental health as defined by WHO comprises those aspects of human health,including the quality of life, that are determined by physical, chemical, biological and psycho social factors in the environment. It also refers to the theory and practice of assessing, correction, controlling and preventing those factors in the environment that adversely affect the health of present and future generations.

Our environment affects health in a variety of ways. Climate and weather affect human health. Public health depends on sufficient amounts of good quality food, safe drinking water and adequate dwelling place. Global climate change has serious health implications. May countries are now compelled to adapt to uncertain climate conditions due to global warming. As the climate is changing, we may no longer know what to expect. Storms are increasing in some countries, drought in others and a temperature rise throughout the world.

Economic inequality and environment changes are inter-connected. Poor countries are unable to meet the required emission standards to slow down climate change. The depletion of ozone in the stratosphere also has a significant impact on global and in turn human health, increasing the amount of harmful ultra violet radiation that reaches the earth’s surface. This results in diseases such as skin cancer. Developmental strategies that do not incorporate safeguards lead to ill health, while strategies that can promote health invariably also protect the environment. Thus environmental health and human health are closely interlinked. An improvement in health is central to sound environment management. Unfortunately this is rarely given sufficient importance in planning development strategies. As a result of inadequate environmental management, millions of children die every year due to diarrhea by consuming contaminated water or food. In India it is estimated that every fifth child under the age of five dies to diarrhea. Large numbers of people in tropical countries die of malaria every year. An inadequate environmental management of stagnant water, the breeding ground of the Anopheles mosquito is the main factor for the outburst of malaria. The resurgence of malaria in India is leading to cerebral malaria that affects the brain and has a huge mortality. Millions of people suffer from serious respiratory diseases including lung cancer and tuberculosis from residing in ill-ventilated homes. The other factors are the fumes emitted by motor vehicles, industries and improper chulhas. According to the estimate of WHO, 1.6 billion early deaths occur annually from cooking stove pollution. In India chulha smoke is the third highest cause of disease and death after contaminated water and lack of sanitation. Millions of people are exposed to hazardous chemicals in their work place that lead to poor health due to industrial products where controls are not adhered to. Population growth and the way resources are exploited and wasted threaten environmental integrity and directly affect the health of every individual.

It’s high time; we should realize that health is an outcome of the interactions between people and the environment. Better health care can only come from more sustainable environmental management. Hence the world should address people’s health care needs and the sustainable use of natural resource which are closely interlinked. Strategies to provide clean potable water and nutrition are an important part of a healthy living environment. Providing clean energy resource that does not affect health is a key to reducing respiratory diseases. Agricultural patterns need to be changed from using of harmful pesticides, herbicides and insecticides to alternatives such as non-toxic consumers. In the industrial field, systems needs to be changed into those that do not use or release toxic chemicals that affect the health of workers and people living in the vicinity of industries.

Yours,

Suraj Tayeng.

Tezu

All teachers are equal

Dear Editor,

Presently two categories of teachers are serving in the state -- one group is handsomely paid and other group working under SSA is underpaid. There is no denying the fact despite having equal knowledge and experiences in teaching-learning process, the underpaid SSA teachers have been dedicatedly performing their duties. But how long the SSA teachers will perform their duties with such meager and irregular salary? Such pay disparity may demoralize the SSA teachers and adversely affect their teaching process and also the career of the students.

Therefore, for bringing quality improvement in education in the state, teachers should be well-paid with extra privilege to live a life with dignity in the society. At the same time, the SSA teachers should be regularized so that they can continue their service with dedication. Such step will also encourage the students to become good teachers in future.

Yours,

A Pertin

Upper Siang

Farmer-Scientist Interaction Programme

DAPORIJO, Apr 7: A one- day training cum farmer-scientist interaction programme was organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Upper Subansiri District on April 6 at Daporijo. Around 50 farmers’s representatives of 3 farmer’s club and 6 SHG’s participated in the programme.

Nyape Bam, Farm Manager, of the KVK discussed the importance of KVK in technology transfer from lab to land. A brief introduction of the functions and activities of Farmer’s Club and SHG was also highlighted by the president of Rural Development Society, Daporijo.

W. Purnima Devi, SMS, delivered a lecture on “Vermicomposting” and explained about the advantages and procedures of vermicomposting in detail through slide and video presentation .This was followed by the lecture on the topic “Scientific poultry production and Disease management” by Dr. Bina Saikia, SMS, in which she explained in detail regarding the housing, brooding, feeding of poultry and also discuss about the different diseases of poultry and its treatment, prevention and control measures.

Dipjyoti Bora, Programme Assistant, also delivered lecture on “Composite fish culture” and explained in detail about the pre and post stocking as well as disease management of fish. At the end of programme Paddy seeds namely PAU-201 (High yielding Variety) and leaflets were distributed in the farmers for demonstration purposes. (DIPRO)

Gratitude to all

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: The Peace Finding Co-Ordination Committee of fire accident at Palin has extended sincere thanks and gratitude to Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and his council of ministers for timely grant of ex-gratia to the fire accident victims at Palin and also high power committee members for their good gesture and noble work, MP Takam Sanjoy, APCC chief Nabam Tuki, Union Minister Narayanan Swami, district administration, security personnel, church leaders, political leaders and well wishers for their support and contribution in restoration of peace at Palin.

The committee also extended gratefulness to the parents/guardians and relatives of the deceased and injured children for their bravery and cooperation with the Govt and high power committee for restoration of peace and for subsequent shifting of burial yard. It also extended thanks to ongoing school children and their parents for their moral support and cooperation.

BCC demands ex-gratia

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Block Congress Committee Koloriang, Tali, Nyapin, Palin has appealed the state government to grant ex-gratia to the next of kin of those who died at a landslide at Koloriang on April 2.

The presidents of the BCCs of Kurung Kumey observed a two minutes silence and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls.

Camp for Scouts and Guides

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Namsai Hr Secondary School Principal, C T Mounkang yesterday inaugurated the week-long testing camp for selection of Scouts and Guides for Rajya Puraskar at Namsai. Vice Principal of the School, S Nandal was also present in inaugural function. Altogether 80 prospective Scouts and Guides along with Scouters, Guiders and staff from Tirap, Changlang Lower Dibang Valley and Lohit are attending the camp being organized under the leadership of S Tiwari, STC(S) cum DTO, Scout Lohit.

Holy Christ School celebrates World Health Day

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Holy Christ Mission School, Nirjuli celebrated world health day today.

On the occasion, health awareness procession was organized by the staff and students of the school.

It also organized a free medical health checkup at its school premises led by SMO, Nirjuly Dr. Tayeng Kumar and MO Chiputa Dr. Hatobin Mai along with four Para-medical staff.

Meanwhile, the school authority has thanked the medical team for their cooperation.

JNC remembers its first Principal

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Jawaharlal Nehru College Community Pasighat, mourned the sudden demise of Prof. J.B.Ganguli, the first Regular Principal of the College. He served the College as principal from 1965 to 1969. A renowned economist of N.E. India, he retired as Vice Chancellor of Tripura University. The entire college community shares the agony of the bereaved family in this hour of sorrow and prays to the Almighty for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

A two-minute silence was observed yesterday in the upper college campus as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

Galo New Year Day celebrated at Aalo

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Galo Welfare Society (GWS) West Siang district unit celebrated the Galo New Year Day in a simple but impressive function at Aalo on April 5 last.

A senior member of the Galo community Togum Lollen planted Ensi-Hika as chief guest to mark the beginning of Galo New Year.

In a small gesture to encourage the students of Galo community, the GWS unit felicitated the toppers amongst the boys and girls of AISSE 2008-09. Apart from a certificate, cash incentives were also handed over to the parents/ students of the community during the Mopin festival celebration.

The prizes for the boys group were awarded in the memory of Late Tomo Riba, Ex-CM of Arunachal Pradesh by his son Mokar Riba, Circle Officer, Aalo.

Similarly, the prizes for the girls were given in the memory of Late Renya Karbi-Gamlin by her son, Tomo Gamlin, DF&CSO Aalo under the aegis of GWS.

Society seek concession on school fees

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Hina Nabam Healing Society has urged education minister to implement a new policy on school fees. In a letter to education minister, society advocated that fee concession should be offered to those parents who have more than two children in the same school. Such move will immensely benefit those parents, who have more than two children in the same school.

Health status of the population in India

Dr D Padung

Introduction:

In this mini-paper, the population health status of India is briefly described and further analysis of the status as compared to other countries in the region and developed countries is attempted. A broad findings and conclusions may provide insight into the intricacies of effective planning and overall improvement in the population health status of India.

1. Demographic overview of the population health status:

India is a large country having 30+ states and union territories with diverse socio-economic, religious, cultural and ethnic groups, administered by local state government under the Union Government at Delhi. The 2nd most populous countries in the world having over 1 billion people and still growing at the rate of 1.74 annually. A country having rural population of about 74%, median age of 24 years and population below 15 years comprising 32%, practically it is a country of young people and rural setup. The high TFR at 2.9 and Crude birth rate of 26.1 also compounds to increase in the young population thereby signifying poor health policy, planning and implementation.

However, in terms of health indicators, it varies from state to state and within the states. Few states in the southern India are doing very well and are comparable with countries in the developed world.

2. Summary statistics related to mortality

The average life expectancy at birth is 64 years but the mortality data shows IMR of 54 and under 5 yrs mortality of 72. Eventually, many children will die during 1st 5 yrs of life before adulthood. Adult death rate is high at 215.

3. Global Burden of Disease study (2004 update)

The Crude Death Rate is 922.8/1L from any cause. The causes as recorded shows that majority of the death are due to Ischemic Heart Disease, LRTI, Cerebrovascular diseases etc till birth asphyxia and trauma. The bulk of data, could be, the recorded data mainly available in the urban setting especially while looking at rank where neonatal / LBW causes are placed.

In terms of Crude DALY Death Rate, the major causes are LRTI, Diarrhoeal diseases, IHD till road traffic accident. This data points to mortality during the very young age group. Some new concerns are unipolar depressive disorders, RTA that are rampant in developed countries.

4. Short Comparision / analysis of the health status within the region and developed world:

Comparision with other countries in the region shows very high total population in India, big country, dispersion of population require more efficient policy and planning. The TFR is very high as compared in the region to country like Thailand, Sri Lanka. The female literacy rate, socioeconomic status compounded by inefficient health program could have resulted to high TFR.

Urbanisation is less as compared to other countries having good indicators but Sri lanka, a country of rural setting has very good indicators. The urbanization pattern is not comparable with majority of the developed countries, which stands at about 70-80%. In developed countries, even though population is concentrated more in urban area, the basic health determining interventions are provided and are accessed by all people.

The proportion of above 60 years is comparable within the region as also the median age and population under 15 yrs. The growth rate as well is comparable within the region but it is not comparable with developed countries where growth rate is even on negative. However, probably due to high mortality rates at under 5 years and adult, majority of the population being below 15 years of age, the proportion of people above 60 years is definitely low as compared to about 15-20% and median age of 35 years in developed countries. The adult mortality rate is comparable within the region and not comparable with developed countries may be due to better health care services, awareness, access to quality health care etc.

The IMR is high as compared to other countries of the region like Sri Lanka, so also the under 5 mortality. The adult mortality rate is highest in the region. The reason could be due to inefficient primary health care, access to health care services, literacy rate among women, the traditional child-rearing practice etc. The rate is not comparable with the developed countries.

The life expectancy at birth is low as compared with Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Thailand in the region and not comparable with the developed world. The major trend seen is overlapping of transitional states (double or triple burden) in India leading to slow improvement in the life expectancy.

The crude death rate shows Ischemic Heart Disease, LRTI, Cerebrovascular diseases etc as leading cause. It seems that bulk of data could be from the urban setting only where facilities for IHD etc are available. Since, India a rural country, neonatal / LBW deaths may not be reported or under reported. In terms of absolute numbers, the burden could be higher when all the rural India is taken into consideration. However, it is a warning that with rapid globalisation, the IHD, CVD, depression, RTA will increase and need intervention. Comparing with neighbouring countries, Sri Lanka has also a similar pattern of diseases being leading causes of death like IHD, CVD, LRTI etc but Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertensive cases stands out to be a major areas of concern. Could be due to dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle because, this country is also not economically sound.

When compared with the causes in developed countries, the pattern is more of causes related to lifestyle diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders, RTA in line with the epidemiological transition.

The DALY mortality causes are comparable in the region like LRTI, diarrhoea that seems typical of developing countries (lack of sanitation, clean environment etc) However, IHD, mental disorders are also occurring, probably in the affluent society, that is comparable with high-income countries. The mortality in neonatal period due to birth asphyxia, LBW, infection is also rampant which is not a concern in developed world. In comparision with Sri Lanka, IHD, CVD, COPD, hypertensive diseases, sense organ diseases, RTA and neurophschiatric condition dominates the DALY death rates. The DALY mortality causes shows high neuropscychiatric conditions, Diabetes Mellitus, neoplasms, COPD, Asthma, neonatal conditions in the developed countries. Majority of the conditions are conditions of the geriatrics group. In contrast to India and developing world, there are very few cases of infections like LRTI, Diarrhoeal diseases, TB. The DALY mortality rate confirms the people in developed world live a life almost with disability.

The Arunachal Pradesh scenario

The Arunachal Pradesh scenario is not different from the Indian context. The crude birth and death rate is high and compounded by high total fertility rate. The Infant mortality Rate as per SRS 2008 may not be very high but the neonatal mortality is still high. In absolute terms, somehow many cases of mortality during infancy goes unreported or simply missed since about 60% of the deliveries take place at home under unskilled birth attendants. Considering the low coverage of antenatal care, Immunisation with 2 TT of the pregnant women and home delivery, the morbidity and mortality of the mother and the newborn is at the mercy of God. This morbidity and mortality at delivery is compounded by low coverage of post natal care (one of the important activities of ANM at SC) and routine immunization, the loss of workdays and financial expenditure to take care of the morbidity is huge. Therefore, the following points are important to re-assess the capabilities of the health systems within the resources available.

Æ There is an urgent need to functionalise the health facilities as per minimum criteria taking into account the likelihood of providing effective quality health care services to maximum population within the resource constraint.

Æ The accessibility of the health facilities needs re-alignment. On a local criteria / GoI criteria, the health facilities may be identified on priority and strengthen it to provide quality care which is accessible to the community.

Æ The services need augmentation / scaling up in terms of services like antenatal care, institutional delivery, postnatal care, Immunization coverage to all children below 1 year, family planning services etc. This has to be supported by proper and need based health promotion activites and recurrent and regular training.

Æ As a state in a low-income country, the state is in the classical epidemiological transition stage of receding pestilence and famine. The need of the hour is to control and manage cases related to infection like neonatal infection, lower respiratory infection, Diarrhoea, malaria etc and it is not very far when the state has to deal with double burden of disease.

Æ The health indicators are not an isolated entity but is mostly determined by health determinants like socio-economic status, provision of clean drinking water, environmental sanitation, access to education, proper nutritional program, effective traffic laws, healthy behavior not resorting to abuses, equitable income / expenditure creation of parks / recreation centres etc. Economically, health is the ultimate goal and to see it happen, all the related stakeholders must cooperate and coordinate in implementing programs cohesively.

Conclusion:

India is a country of rural setting, young people, requiring massive health infrastructure, taking on double burden of infectious disease and lifestyle diseases. The access to comprehensive quality primary health care services is to be ensured upto the community level and improved accessibility for lifestyle diseases. A systematic and scientifically driven policy for addressing the complex health scenerio in a diverse and complex setting is the need of the hour. The effort would be to address all the aspects of health determinants in a well-coordinated and cohesive manner by all stakeholders. (Dr D Padung, State Nodal Officer (NRHM), Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, (EUR scholarship)

Narain joins as GM

ITANAGAR: Shyam Narain has joined as new General Manager, BSNL, Arunachal Pradesh. He belongs to ITS batch of 1983. He has served as General Manager, TCIL Nepal and Group General Manager of TCIL India.

Gumkum-Gumpa

ITANAGAR: Gumkum-Gumpa festival of Puroik community would be observed at Sanchu village, Chayangajo circle on April 15. Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Forest Kumar Waii and MLA Karya Bagang have consented to attend the celebration as chief guest and guest of honour.

PPA foundation day

ITANAGAR: People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) is going to celebrate its 33rd Foundation Day on April 10 at Hotel Donyi Polo, Ashoka here. All the party MLAs, leaders are expected to attend the celebration in which party policies and strategies will also be discussed, according to PPA release.

TMFT deferred for a week

ITANAGAR: The 9th Tadar Tang Memorial Football Tournament scheduled from April 18 has been deferred for a week due to technical reasons, and it will now be held from April 25 to May three next, according to organizing committee.

Society for NIT in Bhalukpong

ITANAGAR: Kameng and Tawang District Development Society has urged the government to set up the proposed National Institute of Technology in Bhalukpong in West Kameng. It said that people of the area has already donated the required land for the Institution. The Society further said that Tawang, West Kameng and East Kameng are deprived of centre of Higher learning as compared to rest of the state and called on the state government to give an opportunity to these districts.

NCP Rally

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: Vice President State NCP Unit Tad Tana would attend the awareness rally organized by NCP Unit, Riga Block at Riga rally on April 8.

ZP alleges

ITANAGAR, Apr 7: ZPM Leporiang Tana Tagum Tara has said that Panchayt leaders of Papum pare is being forced to verify the material procured by District Horticulture Officer as the matrials is yet to reach the designated Circle offices. He alleged that material worth more than Rs 16 Lacs have not reached the designated offices whereas the Officer in a statement submitted in March this year has said that materials have been distributed to the Circles. He said that verification of procured material would be carried out on April 10.