Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 222/23

LAUNCH OF 10BEDICU PROJECT

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma and Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Tuesday launched the 10BedICU project in 14 healthcare centres across the State, covering 11 districts. The 10BedICU project is a private public partnership initiative between the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of Meghalaya and eGovernment Foundation. The initiative includes 10 beds in ICU’s in district level Government Hospitals.

Speaking at the inaugural function, the Chief Minister lauded all the stakeholders instrumental for the project by ensuring that healthcare facilities and services are made available at rural and inaccessible areas of the State including district hospitals. The infrastructure and system being set up would allow us to optimise all of our resources and make them work in the most efficient manner. It is the aspiration to expand this endeavour, so that the best possible support in terms of health care to some of the most remote and difficult areas of the State could be achieved, the Chief Minister said. Terming that the State Government has accorded top most priority for health care sector, the Chief Minister said, We would give top priority to our social sectors, and health would be one of the major focus area. With this in mind the state now reserves 8 percent of its budget on healthcare of which it is the highest in the country.

Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said that through the project the State government will be able to provide ICU care at district level. He said that the launch of 10BedICU project will go a long way in ensuring a transformative impact in bettering the health care facilities in the State. The inaugural function was graced by Chief Secretary DP Wahlang, Principal Secretary Health Sampath Kumar, Chairman of Infosys Nandan Nilekani, Chairman 10BedICU Srikanth Nadhumuni, Founder Karuna Trust, Dr Sudarshan Hanumappa and Public Health Expert and Scientist Nichiket Mor.

The 10BedICU Project was conceived as a response to the second wave of COVID-19, aimed at making critical healthcare accessible across every district, including the most remote regions of the country. The project consists of 5 components, 1. Providing and installing state-of-the-art ICU medical equipment at district level govt hospitals. 2. Deploying cutting edge digital technology like ABDM compliant patient management software called CARE for delivering improved healthcare outcomes. 3. Deployment of the TeleICU system in a hub-n-spoke model, with TeleICU Hubs in government tertiary care hospitals connecting specialists to remote 10BedICU hospitals. 4. Basic and advanced critical care training and standardizing ICU protocols. 5. Community participation to maximize the impact and sustainability of the project.

The following tools are offered to the Govt. Hospitals, 1. CARE- AI Transcription Engine allows healthcare professionals to provide audio input to CARE eliminating the need for typing to maintain the electronic medical records (EMR) of the patients. 2. Smart ICU module allows the high-resolution cameras in the ICUs to read the vital parameters from 5-para monitors linked to the patient and automatically upload it periodically to the electronic medical records. 3. CARE- Al Nurse Assistant is a conversational tool with audio and text support that allows healthcare professionals to seek guidance on following standard ICU Protocols while treating a patient. This ensures quality through standardized practices within the ICU.

The 14 10BedICUs in Meghalaya were funded by Vinod Khosla and HDFC Bank Parivarthan. Several NGO and industry partners come together to implement this project including eGovernments Foundation, Hamilton Medical, Google Cloud and Koita Centre for Digital Health at IIT Bombay. 10BedICU has already deployed ICU units in 206 hospitals in 9 states including Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Puducherry.

Vinod Khosla, Silicon Valley venture capitalist and a key supporter/donor of the 10BedICU project, said, "The only sure way we can truly help smaller rural hospitals is by creating good ICU infrastructure and through Tele/CU digital technology to provide specialist doctors online". Srikanth Nadhamuni, Chairman, 10BedICU Project and Founder CTO Aadhaar said 'We have launched 10BedICUs in 9 states covering 26 percent of the country's districts already, we plan to launch a 10BedICU in every district of the country with TeleICU online access to specialists."

Press Release No. 223/23

BLOCK LEVEL LAUNCHING OF GENDER CAMPAIGN IN MAWKYRWAT

The Block Level Gender Campaign- ending Gender Based Violence, Nayi Chetna 2.0 “A Step Towards Change” was launched today at the BDO Hall, Mawkyrwat C and RD Block, South West Khasi Hills District. The Block Development Officer, Mawkyrwat C and RD Block, Shri. I. Lawrniang, MCS, graced the programme as the Chief Guest. The programme was organized by the office of the Block Mission Management Unit, Mawkyrwat C and RD Block, South West Khasi Hills District.

In his address to the gathering, Shri. I. Lawrniang, MCS, the Block Development Officer of Mawkyrwat C and RD Block, emphasized that fostering gender equality commences at home and within the family. He emphasized the importance of treating men and women equally in society to prevent any discrimination or oppression rooted in gender differences. He also highlighted the significance of educating and disseminating knowledge about gender-based violence within families, communities, and workplaces. He noted instances where unintentional words have caused offenses, impacting individuals and families, emphasizing the crucial need for collective understanding regarding appropriate actions to prevent any undesired reactions that could lead to animosity or violence. Shri. I. Lawrniang also urged parents to impart education and instil positive habits and behaviours in children, guiding them towards the right path in life.

Ms. Nosmi Hahshah, the Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel at the District Legal Services Authority in South West Khasi Hills District, highlighted that reports indicate a predominant occurrence of violence against women and children, often originating within families, encompassing physical, domestic, economic, and emotional abuse. She emphasized the significance of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, which safeguards women from various forms of abuse within their homes and also elaborated that Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code which provides for the maintenance to the wife and children. “The District Legal Services Authority's role involves aiding and supporting women who might be unaware of how to report incidents of domestic violence, offering free legal assistance through legal aid counsels to those encountering such challenges”, she said. She also informed that women can report domestic violence cases to the One Stop Centre within the district. Further, she gave examples of sexual harassment in the family, educational institutions and workplace. She urged victims of sexual harassment to not hesitate in coming forward to report and file complaints against those responsible for such actions to prevent their recurrence and she assured that the law is in place specifically to protect the women who are victims of sexual harassment.

Shri. T. Kyndiah, District Child Protection Officer of South West Khasi Hills District, discussed the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Additionally, Smti. A. Lyngkhoi, Clinical Psychologist Civil Hospital, Mawkyrwat, delved into the root causes of gender-based violence and highlighted its lasting impact on the mental health of victims. She emphasized the necessity of establishing support groups at the village and cluster levels to aid and assist victims of rape and domestic violence and their family.

Furthermore, Shri. J. B. Tongwah, Sub- Inspector and Officer-in-Charge of Mawkyrwat Police Station, addressed the issue of online gender-based violence, encompassing cyber stalking, online spoofing, internet phishing, cyberbullying, and blackmailing, among other related concerns. Smti. S. Sohshang, Secretary of the Mawlongoid Village Organization (V.O), shared the organization initiatives and measures taken to combat gender-based violence and Smt. R. Kharlyngdoh, Block Project Manager, MSRLS/ NRLM, Mawkyrwat C and RD Block delivered the welcome address.

During the programme certificate for the best Village Organization (V.O) was presented to Tbehjingshai Village Organization (V.O), Certificate of Appreciation was also presented to Smt. Sngurlin Kharjahrin of Phemawlien, VO, Sakwang for the outstanding contribution and performance as Community Gender and Health Activist (CGHA), Certificate of appreciation was also awarded to Children’s Group- Syntiewbarit SHG and jyngkyrmen SHG and the Myntri of Sakwang Village, Shri. Shiningstar Kharjahrin.

Press Release No. 224/23

GOVERNOR ATTENDS PRE-CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AT RAJ BHAVAN

In a heart-warming embrace of the festive spirit, Raj Bhavan, Shillong, today played host to a joyous pre-Christmas celebration, featuring delightful music, treats, and generous goodwill.

The Hon'ble Governor of Meghalaya, Shri Phagu Chauhan, graced the occasion and personally distributed gifts to the Raj Bhavan staff in acknowledgment of their dedication and year-long service.

In addition, the Hon’ble Governor shared his warm wishes for the people of Meghalaya, expressing hopes for a year filled with peace, happiness, and continued progress.

Contributing to the festive atmosphere, the children from Laban Presbyterian Church filled the air with joy through their Christmas carols, while a young boy from Jaiaw Presbyterian Church delivered a captivating performance, showcasing the vibrant artistic spirit of Meghalaya's youth.

Earlier, as part of the National Integration Tour (NIT) under the aegis of the Spear Corps and Red Shield Division, 20 students from Loyola Senior Secondary School, Zakhama, Nagaland, accompanied by three teachers, had the privilege of interacting with the Hon’ble Governor at Raj Bhavan, Shillong.

During the meeting, the Governor emphasized the importance of national integration, urging the students to actively contribute to building a strong and united India. He also encouraged them to pursue their dreams and make the most of their educational opportunities.

The NIT team arrived in Shillong on December 18th and is set to depart on December 21st. Their visit has afforded them the opportunity to immerse themselves in Meghalaya's rich culture and heritage, gaining insights into various developmental and industry initiatives.