Pakyong, November 12:
A meeting of the District Health Society (DHS), Pakyong District was held today at the Chamber of the District Collector, Pakyong, under the chairmanship of the District Collector, Pakyong.
The meeting was convened to discuss the registration process of District Health Society for Pakyong District.
The meeting was attended by Chief Medical Officer, Pakyong – Dr. Madan Mani Dhakal; Chief Education Officer Pakyong, Pakyong; District Planning Officer (Zilla) Pakyong; District Reproductive and Child Health Officer (Health and FW Department); Superintending Engineer (Mechanical ,Health and FW Department); Deputy Secretary from the office of ADC (Development) Pakyong; Assistant Engineer (Mechanical Health and FW Department); Assistant Engineer (Building & Housing Department Pakyong); and District Tuberculosis Officer, Pakyong Health Department.
At the outset, Mr. Dharni D. Mishra, District Programme Manager (DPM), Pakyong District, welcomed the Chairperson and all committee members. He presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation highlighting the objectives, scope, and roles of the Society, along with the composition of the Governing and Executive Bodies as framed in the Memorandum of Association for Pakyong District. He also elaborated on the fund management structure of the Society, including its accounts and audit mechanisms.
During the discussion, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Madan Mani Dhakal, appraised the committee members that as per NHM norms every district should have a Functional District Health Society , currently the Erstwhile District Health Society of East District is handling the funds for both Pakyong and Gangtok District. The fund flow is not yet bifurcated the district as per its geographical jurisdiction. Currently, all health-related funds are routed through the erstwhile East District Health Society, even though Pakyong District comprises a larger share of health institutions — including 4 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 1 Community Health Centre (CHC), and 31 Primary Health Sub-Centres (PHSCs) — compared to Gangtok District, which has 2 PHCs and 17 PHSCs.
He further highlighted that the District Hospital at Singtam, although geographically located within Pakyong District, is presently not under the administrative perview of the CMO, Pakyong. To ensure proper fund flow, proper bifurcation, and efficient health administration, the formation and registration of the District Health Society, Pakyong, is an urgent necessity.
In his remarks, the District Collector, Pakyong, appreciated the initiative taken by the Health Department and stressed the importance of institutionalizing the District Health Society for transparent and efficient implementation of health programmes under the National Health Mission (NHM). He advised all concerned departments to extend full cooperation in completing the registration process at the earliest, ensuring that fund management and administrative functioning are aligned with the district’s geographical boundaries.
In conclusion, the Chairperson directed the Chief Medical Officer and District Programme Manager to submit the necessary documents for registration and coordinate with the concerned State Health authorities and Law Department to expedite the formalities. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks from the District Programme Manager, expressing gratitude to the Chairperson and all members for their valuable guidance and participation.
