Union Health Minister Moots Mission Mode For Population Stabilization

USPA NEWS - The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Mr. J.P. Nadda presenting the Certificate of Excellence at the National Workshop on the theme “˜Vulnerable Population in Emergencies´ organised by the MoHFW in collaboration with Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh, on the occasion of World Population Day.

On the occasion of World Population Day, Mr. J P Nadda, Minister for Health & Family Welfare mooted the idea of taking up the task of population stabilization in the country by adopting a Mission Mode approach, where focused and targeted work is taken up in those states where the figures have been high. The Health Minister said that special efforts can be considered to stabilise population by concentrating on those states which contribute the maximum to the country total. He was speaking at the National Workshop on Vulnerable Populations In emergencies on the occasion of World Population Day at Vigyan Bhawan on July 11. Mr. Shripad Yesso Naik, MoS (MoHFW) was also present at the function.

The Health Minister said that the issue of population can be seen through two lenses. One is to view it as an issue and the other is to consider the large proportion of the young population as an asset and harness its dividend. The country´s current population at 1.21 billion continues to pose several challenges, especially regarding delivery of affordable, accessible and quality services to the numerous people, he said. He however, also applauded the fact that population has shown a decline since 2011 and the country is very close to achieving the replacement level fertility rate of 2.1 by the year 2010.

Mr. Nadda said that the achievements of NHM towards population stabilization have been significant, and also in terms of provisioning of health services to a large number of people. The Health Minister added that strategies to stabilize population are critical to development for any country.

He also stated that the topic of the reproductive rights and needs of women in emergencies is contextual, and the half day long workshop with the presence of several experts in the field of healthcare will result in several thoughtful discussions and deliberations.

On the occasion, Mr. Shripad Yesso Naik said that a large proportion of the country is vulnerable to emergencies given the geographical diversities prevailing across it. The workshop to discuss issues, especially regarding women and girls in these circumstances who are among the most vulnerable sections, will help focus attention on the strategies to address these issues, he said.

Both Union Ministers also participated in the Walkathon at India Gate earlier in the day. Mr. Nadda said that there needs to be more consciousness and awareness among the people regarding population issues and the ramifications of an increasing population.

Also present at the national workshop were senior officers of the Health Ministry along with representatives of development partners such as UNICEF, USAID, UNFPA and PFI.

Picture Description: The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Mr. J.P. Nadda presenting the Certificate of Excellence at the National Workshop on the theme “˜Vulnerable Population in Emergencies´ organised by the MoHFW in collaboration with Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh, on the occasion of World Population Day, in New Delhi on July 11, 2015. The Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) and Health & Family Welfare, Mr. Shripad Yesso Naik, the DGHS, Dr. (Prof.) Jagdish Prasad and other dignitaries are also seen.