Varanasi: Varanasi has been ranked sixth in Uttar Pradesh under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), with payments made to 12,744 beneficiaries in the district.District magistrate Satyendra Kumar on Tuesday reviewed the progress of various health department schemes and national health programmes. He directed officials to improve performance and ensure time-bound payments on a priority basis at medical institutions where beneficiary payments are still pending.The DM said that any laxity in the implementation of beneficiary-oriented health schemes and related payments would not be tolerated.The meeting also reviewed breast cancer screening being carried out through the Namo Shakti Rath. The DM instructed officials to ensure the screening of the maximum number of eligible women and arrange necessary tests for suspected cases identified during the drive.Reviewing the immunisation programme, the DM expressed concern over slower-than-expected progress. He asked officials to assess low-coverage areas at the gram sabha and sub-centre levels, identify reasons for poor vaccination coverage, and take immediate corrective measures to ensure timely vaccination of all eligible children.The DM also reviewed the role of ASHA workers under the Janani Suraksha Yojana. Taking serious note of the fact that 290 ASHA workers in the district had not facilitated any deliveries under the scheme, he directed officials to issue notices to them as per rules.The meeting also reviewed the National Child Health Programme, Deworming Day, the Non-Communicable Disease Control Programme, the TB-Free India campaign, and other national health initiatives being implemented under the National Health Mission. Chief medical officer Dr N.P. Singh briefed the DM on the progress of various health programmes, departmental efforts, and the upcoming action plan.