Commissioner & Secretary, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS with others during the coordination meeting with the Nagaland Private Practitioners Association held on April 4. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, April 5 (MExN): All private hospitals in the State have been declared as ‘Tobacco Free Zone’ with effect from April 11.
This was announced as per the decision made during a coordination meeting with the Nagaland Private Practitioners Association (NPPA) under the chairmanship of Commissioner & Secretary, Y KikhetoSema, IAS on April 4.
The Department had earlier declared all Government Hospitals/Health Care, Health offices in the State as ‘Tobacco Free Zone’ since February 1, 2023.
A DIPR report stated that recollecting the relentless contribution of the private hospitals in the fight against COVID-19 during the pandemic, Kikheto conveyed appreciation of the Government to the private hospitals for their collaboration with the Government in various healthcare services.
He appealed to the private hospitals to continue to work together even in the days to come, and to participate in the health information collection system of the department, so that health information from both public and private sector is captured on real time.
Further, Kikheto stated that with the aim to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses, the Government of India has launched the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana campaign under the Department of Pharmaceuticals. He urged the private hospitals to come on board the scheme.
The NPPA meanwhile assured not to engage employees of the Government in private hospitals in compliance with the provisions of the Nagaland Health Care Establishment Act 1997. The department assured the association to fast track the process of approval and renewal of licenses under the act.
