CARE CEO optimistic on Bihar's health indices

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New Delhi, Jan 6 (ANI): The President and CEO of CARE International USA, Dr. Helene D. Gayle, on Thursday said Bihar could see a dramatic turnaround in its health indices in three to five years with the bonding of the Government and Non-Government Organizations or voluntary groups, which would improve child and maternal healthcare in the state.

Dr. Gayle, who is on a short visit to New Delhi, in an interview to Asian News International (ANI) said that she expects the mortality rates for Bihar to improve in three to five years.

"The State Government''s commitment to achieving health goals was ''encouraging'', and it would make a difference in the long run. The indices in health are still low, are still bad. The mortality rate for women as well as children are still high in Bihar, but I think what is encouraging is that more and more commitment is visible there," said Dr. Gayle.

"The resources are there, and I fully expect that in the next three to five years we are going to see progress in health in Bihar because those elements are there that will make a difference in the long run," she added.

Dr. Gayle said there is scope for facilitation of policies and their implementation with the government support.

"For us it is also important that we have the support of the government, because it is part of what can really have an impact. The partnership of working with the government along with the NGO and the private sector and importantly working with the community; so that the community understands its rights. To help and to service is an important part of our work as well," she said.

Dr. Gayle further told ANI that there are numerous areas in which the US and India could share their expertise that would mutually benefit both the nations.

"So many lessons to be learnt. This is after all the largest democracy on the face of this earth and I think India is continuing to innovate in so many ways, whether it is the business community or the technology community," said Dr. Gayle.

"I think there is a lot that we can learn at the United States with India and there is a lot that we can share. So I think it is a real mutual learning experience, a real partnership. And I look forward to seeing it continue to grow and for us to continue to learn from each other," she added.

Dr. Gayle is slated to visit Bihar on Sunday to assess measures on child and maternal healthcare. The visit is expected to focus on monitoring mortality rates and also solving poor implementation of health policies.  

CARE has identified literacy, education, maternal and child health, nutrition, livelihood and economic self-sufficiency as focus areas in Bihar.

CARE''s key areas of intervention include among others, healthcare especially with regard to HIV and AIDS, TB Protection and critical support during disasters, damage mitigation and relief work.

CARE has worked in Bihar for over 40 years, with an operational presence in almost all the 38 districts of the state. By Pooja Shali  (ANI)

Pat down search of Indian envoy unfortunate: Lu

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The Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi,Donald Lu, on Friday expressed regret over the pat-down search of Indian envoy to the U.S., Meera Shankar, and said security policies in the country need to be revisited.

Speaking on the sidelines of a Gay Rights' seminar at the American Centre here, Lu said that the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour have expressed a desire to look at the security policies again.

"We all at the American embassy have tremendous respect for Ambassador Meera Shankar. She is one of the most impressive diplomats working today for India. What she has done personally for US-India relationship is well known and we have, again, tremendous respect for her. We have also seen major American political figures, you mentioned Hillary Clinton but also Governor of Mississippi expressed regret over this incident and desired to look at our policies again," said Lu.

He further said that security remains a major concern in United States, so as not to allow any terrorist attacks and added that a balance needs to be struck between security and respect.

"I think it is worth remembering that the purpose of having the airport screening is really to make sure that passengers remain safe and secure. We both, India and America, live in two big democracies... democracies that have faced very terrible terrorist attacks. Both of us have to find a balance between security and respect for each other. We are trying to do that in the United States, the struggle to have that balance set right is something we will continue to do," he said.

Shankar was patted down by an American security agent at the Jackson - Evers International Airport in Mississippi on December 4.

The incident took place when she was about to board a flight to Baltimore after attending the Mississippi State University's programme.

Those who witnessed the ambassador's screening alleged that officials had singled out Shankar because she was dressed in a sari.

Shankar was further taken to a VIP waiting room despite informing authorities she was an ambassador. By Pooja Shali (ANI)