Silchar: National Health Mission (NHM), Assam, has transferred the district programme managers (DPMs) of Cachar, Sribhumi and Hailakandi amid concerns over neonatal deaths in the Barak Valley.The reshuffle comes days after health minister Ashok Singhal told the Assam assembly that the govt was taking the deaths “very seriously” and treating the matter as one of utmost importance.The transfer order cites “public interest” and the need to improve health service delivery. However, health department sources said the move was aimed at strengthening accountability and monitoring of key public health programmes.According to an order issued by NHM mission director Dr Lakhmanan S, six district programme managers have been transferred across Assam.Goalpara DPM Khurshed Alam has been posted in Sribhumi, replacing Hanif Mohammad Alam, who has been shifted to Goalpara. Cachar DPM Rahul Ghosh has been transferred to Sonitpur, while Sonitpur’s Binoy Das has been posted in Cachar. Hailakandi DPM Maruf Alam Barbhuiya has been moved to West Karbi Anglong, with Hilton Saikia taking charge in Hailakandi.District Health Societies have been asked to relieve the officers immediately and ensure they join their new postings within 15 days.The reshuffle is significant as the Barak Valley reported 148 neonatal deaths between April and July. Cachar accounted for 74 deaths, Sribhumi 49 and Hailakandi 25.Officials said reviews identified birth asphyxia, low birth weight and neonatal sepsis as the leading medical causes. Inquiries also flagged gaps in oxygen support at peripheral health centres, specialised neonatal equipment, referral services, ambulance availability and road connectivity in remote areas.The CMO and health department have begun a comprehensive review of maternal and child healthcare in the Barak Valley. Officials said the new DPMs would be expected to improve coordination, tighten supervision and address critical gaps in emergency neonatal care.
