Dimapur, May 15 (MExN): An age group that is often ‘confused’ about many things and considered the most crucial stages of a person’s life is soon going to have a guide. Understanding the need to take care of the adolescent group of the population in the state, the department for health & family welfare has launched the Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health (ARSH) Clinic under the National Rural Health Mission. The clinic was inaugurated by the Commissioner and Secretary for the department, Menukhol John, at the Dimapur District Hospital today.
Perhaps one of the first states to implement the adolescent programme in the country, John said the clinic is the first step in meeting the needs of the age group. He pointed out that with 25% of the total population of the state and one-third of the population of Dimapur comprising of people between the ages of 14 to 19, the need to have such a programme is felt even more. Notwithstanding the problem of HIV and AIDS confronting the state today, the Commissioner and Secretary said such issues must be talked about at an early stage. He further advised students not to take the virus for granted.
On the purpose of the clinic, John pointed out that it will be a “youth-friendly clinic” for adolescents where their personal problems will be addressed. The clinic will also offer referral link-ups with doctors if need arises and will be flexible in terms of working, he explained. Lifestyle-related diseases like cancer, diabetes, HIV, etc. are also some reasons why there is an urgent need to have a clinic for adolescents in particular, Menukhol said, describing the age group as “vulnerable”. He suggested that in order to make the usage of the clinic more effective, a box for queries related to adolescent issues be put up in schools across the district and sent to the clinic at the end of the month. This way, he said, it will help the department understand the needs of adolescents better.
Director for the department of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Kumini Kathipri remarked that young people need proper guidance and information during their growing years. Therefore, she said, the clinic is to access all such information. The Director also expressed hope that the clinic will, in future course of time, promote health-seeking behaviour among young people and develop safe sexual behaviour.
Dr. Kathipri also emphasised that the adolescent programme is a bid to achieve national goals of health, thus also making adolescents more aware of the need to access proper healthcare facilities. She hoped that young people would contribute to strengthen the purpose of the clinic. The launch was attended by several officials of the department, District Hospital doctors and schools from Dimapur and Kohima.
