Pioneer News Service
RANCHI
More than 11,000 National Health Mission (NHM) employees in Jharkhand are likely to benefit from expanded Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) coverage following a decision taken at a review meeting on Tuesday.
The meeting, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary of the Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Department Ajay Kumar Singh, discussed EPF, the NHM budget, Mamta Vahan services, tobacco control, eye screening, leprosy control and human resources. Mission Director Shashi Prakash Jha and senior officials were present.
Officials informed the meeting that NHM employees receiving less than Rs 15,000 per month are currently covered under EPF, while those receiving more than Rs 15,000 are excluded. Singh directed officials to prepare a revised proposal using Rs 15,000 as the baseline so that higher-paid employees can also be brought under EPF.
The Centre has approved Rs 3,124.75 crore for Jharkhand NHM for 2026-27. A proposal will also be prepared to revise payment rates for Mamta Vahan services transporting pregnant women to and from healthcare facilities.
To strengthen healthcare at the block level, Tobacco Control Centres will be established at Community Health Centres (CHCs). Eye-screening facilities will also be introduced at CHCs, with machines provided and spectacles distributed to needy patients.
The meeting reviewed child health, non-communicable disease and leprosy control programmes. Officials discussed providing special footwear to leprosy patients and expanding disability management services to Sadar hospitals and CHCs.
The meeting also focused on restructuring NHM manpower and strengthening human resources according to healthcare requirements.
