Namchi, 29 April (IPR):
District Collector Namchi Ms Anupa Tamling chaired the annual meeting of the District Task Force on Immunization (DTFI) along with the District Advisory Committee under the PCPNDT Act, 1994, at the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Namchi, today.
Addressing the annual review meeting, the District Collector reviewed progress on immunization and stressed the need to achieve full coverage through a proactive and coordinated approach, ensuring no eligible beneficiary was left out. She emphasized strengthened micro-planning, regular monitoring, and accountability. Reviewing the PCPNDT implementation, she reiterated zero tolerance for violations and directed strict enforcement through continuous surveillance, prompt action against defaulters, and intensified IEC activities to enhance public awareness and community participation.
With regard to the implementation of the PCPNDT Act during 2025–2026, the meeting reviewed the status of registration and monitoring of diagnostic centres. Emphasis was laid on strict adherence to the provisions of the Act, timely submission of reports, and regular inspections to prevent violations. Members also underscored the need to intensify awareness campaigns to curb gender-biased sex selection and promote the value of the girl child.
During the meeting, DRCHO, Dr. B.K. Chauhan, presented a detailed annual review of 2025–26. He informed that 90% of ANC registrations had been achieved, of which 92% were registered during the first trimester. He further highlighted that 1085 institutional deliveries, accounting for 98.9%, had been recorded, with a birth sex ratio of 1007:1000, while the overall immunization coverage stood more than 100%. He added that other vaccinations were on par with targets and noted that zero maternal deaths had been recorded in the district during the quarter.
CNO, Ms. Bijay Laxmi Rai, provided an orientation to the newly appointed members, presenting an overview of key health programmes and priorities of the district.
She also briefed the house on the PCPNDT Act, 1994, outlining its objectives, key provisions, and the roles and responsibilities of members in ensuring effective implementation. Emphasis was laid on strict monitoring, adherence to registration and reporting norms, and coordinated efforts to prevent gender-biased sex selection. Additionally, she apprised the members about major public health initiatives and other ongoing programmes, underscoring the need for effective coordination and community awareness
The meeting also assessed the implementation status of the PCPNDT Act, informing that six ultrasound clinics—one Government facility at District Hospital Namchi and five private clinics—were operational in the district. The house also took note of the recommendations of the State Advisory Committee, including the discontinuation of existing inter-state practitioners (ultrasound users) and restrictions on the registration of new inter-state users. It was directed that regular monitoring visits be conducted by the district monitoring team to ensure strict compliance, with prompt action against any violations by the District Appropriate Authority (DAA).
The meeting further reviewed the district’s performance under NQAS, noting that several HWC PHCs and HWC SHCs had achieved certification, while other institutions were under the targeted certification process. It was also highlighted that four HWC-SHCs in the aspirational block had been successfully certified under NQAS during the year.
During the course of the meeting, members offered valuable suggestions and feedback, emphasizing the need for strengthened inter-departmental coordination, regular monitoring, and enhanced awareness initiatives to improve service delivery and compliance.
The DC, in her concluding remarks, appreciated the progress achieved during the year while underscoring the importance of sustained efforts, strict enforcement of provisions, and community participation to address existing gaps and further strengthen healthcare outcomes in the district.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Namchi, Dr. Junita Yonzon, Under Secretary (District Hospital Namchi) Ms. Pushpanjali Rai, Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Namchi Mr. Laxman Tamang, Pediatrician Dr. Roshan Poudyal, Gynaecologist, Dr. Suditi Rai, District Public Health Nursing Officers (DPHNOs/DHN)Ms. Lalita Tamang and Ms. Roshni Thapa, General Secretary (DRISTI NGO) Mr. Passang Tshering Bhutia, Legal Officer Mr. Nirmal Bardewa, along with other NGO representatives and members.