Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)
Kundapur, Dec 9: 'The government has taken an initiative to equip all the taluk government hospitals with dialysis units. In tune with this initiative, a dialysis unit at a cost of Rs 30 lac has already been established in the local government hospital,' said Udupi district in-charge minister, Vinay Kumar Sorake.
He was speaking after inaugurating the newly established dialysis unit at the government hospital here on Monday December 8 under the ambitious programme of the state government towards providing health everywhere, for everyone.
Sorake noted that the hospital here, backed by a history of over a hundred years, has withstood competition from private hospitals and maintained its relevance among the people by staying committed to providing good service. 'With the passage of time, new diseases like Ebola, dengue etc surface. We can protect ourselves against diseases by laying stress on hygiene and concern for maintaining good health,' he advised.
The minister promised to equip Karkala government hospital with dialysis unit during next year. He noted that Udupi district has been provided with five ambulances under 'Arogya Kavacha' scheme, and that health of people holding BPL cards is covered under Vajpayee Arogyashree scheme, whereas those with APL cards are covered by Rajiv Gandhi Arogyashree scheme.
The minister said that the process of filling up vacancies of 'D' group employees and medical officers in the department of health has begun. He said that the government is seriously considering a plan to provide health coverage in all rural places. 'Underground drainage facility is being provided under ADB scheme to the town at a cost of Rs 64 crore. By using eight crore rupees out of the second phase of this scheme, water supply to Kody would be provided,' he added. He revealed that if local administrations come forward to build beautiful market places within their jurisdictions, urban development department will provide revolving fund.
Former minister and MLC, Kota Srinivas Poojary, speaking on the occasion, asked the government to show humanitarian concern towards those who are employed in health department on contract basis. He urged to pay them a minimum salary of Rs 18,000 as against minimum pay of Rs 4,375 they currently draw. He said the Nanjunda Swamy report has created huge anomaly between salaries of doctors working in different districts, which he said may attract government doctors to opt for private practice. He asked the government to work to streamline thee defects.
MLA Halady Srinivas Shetty, presided. Subdivisional officer, Charulata Somal, zilla panchayat vice president, Prakash Mendon, and others were present. Nurse, Pramoda, rendered prayer. District health officer, Dr Surendra Chimbalkar, welcomed. Chief medical officer, Dr Uday Shankar, delivered introductory address.
Spectacles were distributed to 275 eligible students on the occasion.