“The two most important areas in health which require immediate attention are the sectors of pharmacy and medical equipment, both of which have potential for investment,” said Health Minister Surjya Kanta Misra.

At a Healthcare Summit organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Misra stressed on the importance of addressing the current situation where the government has to deal with the shifting scenario in healthcare from communicable to non-communicable diseases. Once again the government reiterated the potential of the private-public partnerships in this sector.

“It is unfortunate that in our state there has not been much focussed investment. Along with this there is the problem of human resources like doctors, practitioners and nurses,” said Misra.

The government criticised the Centre for not increasing the packages of essentials items like vaccines and other medical products. Misra said they would meet the central health council at the end of this month to discuss such grievances.

The Information Technology department, on the other hand, has ventured into a project where it intends to provide a new voice conferencing facility in almost all the 341 blocks in the state.