Ranchi, July 11: Jharkhand Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari on Saturday announced a series of measures to strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure, including efforts to establish an AIIMS in Ranchi, develop a second campus of RIMS, and expand maternal healthcare services across district hospitals.
Addressing a sensitisation workshop organised on the occasion of World Population Day at Hotel BNR Chanakya in Ranchi, the minister said the state government is committed to ensuring quality healthcare reaches people in every part of Jharkhand, particularly those living in remote and underserved areas.
Ansari said Jharkhand’s premier government hospital, the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), is handling a heavy patient load, and discussions have been held with the Union Health Ministry regarding the establishment of an AIIMS in Ranchi.
He added that work towards developing RIMS-2 is also being planned to improve access to specialised medical services.
The minister said the state has sought 400 small ambulances for Sahiya community health workers to improve emergency medical services in rural areas.
He also announced plans to encourage private investment in nursing colleges to strengthen medical education and address the shortage of trained healthcare professionals.
As part of efforts to improve maternal healthcare, the government plans to establish dedicated Caesarean section centres in all district headquarters hospitals.
Specialist doctors will be posted at these hospitals, with dedicated wards aimed at providing comprehensive treatment closer to patients’ homes.
The government is also working towards establishing medical colleges in every district, he said.
During the programme, the Health Minister unveiled awareness posters promoting modern family planning methods, including Antara, contraceptive implants and postpartum family planning.
Doctors, Sahiya workers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and other healthcare personnel were honoured for their contributions to family planning and public health programmes.
Speaking at the event, Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department Ajay Kumar Singh said population growth should be viewed not only as a challenge but also as an opportunity to develop the state’s human resources through education, skill development and improved healthcare.
He said the National Health Mission continues to focus on maternal and child healthcare and called for greater efforts to reduce infant mortality and malnutrition.
Singh also announced plans to establish specialised 100-bed Caesarean care centres in district hospitals and gradually extend such services to Community Health Centres and Sub-Centres over the next two years.
He stressed the need to increase awareness about family planning, particularly in rural areas.
National Health Mission Campaign Director Shashi Prakash Jha said India’s growing population has increased pressure on healthcare and public services, making family planning and public awareness essential for improving quality of life.
He noted that improvements in healthcare have reduced mortality rates and highlighted the importance of sustainable population management for long-term economic and social development.
Ranchi Civil Surgeon Dr. Prabhat Kumar emphasised the need to develop the skills of the country’s young population while addressing challenges arising from rapid population growth, including pressure on infrastructure, natural resources and the environment.
State Nodal Officer Dr. Pushpa highlighted the state’s achievements in family planning and outlined ongoing awareness programmes aimed at promoting reproductive health.
The workshop brought together senior health officials, civil surgeons, doctors, public representatives and frontline healthcare workers to discuss population stabilisation strategies, maternal health and the expansion of family planning services across Jharkhand.
The programme concluded with a renewed commitment by the Health Department to strengthen healthcare delivery while promoting awareness of responsible population management throughout the state.
