‘Need strategies to combat population’

***Meghalaya health minister AL Hek handing over the awards during the World Population Day***

SHILLONG, JULY 24: Meghalaya health minister AL Hek said that the government will have to come up with proper strategies and bring about an amicable solution to address the problem of rapid population growth experienced in the country even as he stressed on the need to have a proper family planning.

Speaking during the the State level Advocacy Meeting on World Population Day, 2015 with a theme, “For a Happy Family: Two Children With A Gap Of Three Years” organized by the National Health Mission in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services (MCH & FW),Hek said for a happier and healthier family, the families themselves must voluntarily take up the cause.

The World Population Day is celebrated in over 200 countries worldwide. The main objective of observing the World Population Day is to highlight the population explosion and also to highlight the causes and put forward remedial strategies for better and healthier lives.

Hek also handed over the awards for the best performing Block and District. The Best Performing District went to the East Khasi Hills District while Mylliem Block got the award as the Best Performing Block.

Earlier the Meghalaya Additional Chief Secretary i/c Health & Family Welfare Y Tsering said that female education and educating a girl child in the rural areas holds the key in addressing the ever increasing population growth.

During the programme a short play on family planning was performed by the ASHAs of the Rynjah State Dispensary, Shillong.

Theilin Phanbuh, Chairperson, Meghalaya State Women Commission (MSWC) and Dr. E. Shullai, Director of Health Services (Research) were among others present at the function. Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, KW Marbaniang chaired the function.- By Our Reporter

Director of Health Services (MCH & FW) Cum Joint Mission Director, National Health Mission, Dr. M. Barthakur delivered the welcome address while Joint Director of Health Services (MCH & FW) Cum Nodal Officer, Family Planning, Dr. B. Mawthoh offered the vote of thanks.