Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Aug 14: Health and family welfare minister U T Khader on Friday August 14 inaugurated Snehalaya Charitable Trust's unique and noble 'Snehalaya Manna' programme aimed providing mid-day meals to around 700 poor people at government hospitals in the city on a daily basis.
Two Tata Ace vehicles, each donated for the noble cause by MLA J R Lobo and family and MD of Sultan Gold Abdul Rauf, were unveiled on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, U T Khader lauded Snehalaya founder Joseph Crasta and said, "Joseph Crasta's heart is very big. He has done a noble work in initiating this programme to provide free meals to hundreds of people. We hope that in future this will can be extended to other districts as welll.
"This noble work is a contribution to the nation. Wiping the tears of the poor and needy is true patriotism. It is not enough to give speeches on roads, true patriotism lies in helping the poor," he added.
"Power of politicians is temporary but the work done by NGOs and social service organizations is permanent. Any good work will attract criticism - even Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa are not spared. We should be bold and stand up to such criticism," he said.
He also revealed that soon, all district hospitals in the state will be provided accomoation and libraries for attendents of patients.
Mayor Jacintha Alfred also lauded Joseph Crasta and said, "Joseph Crasta always thinks about how to help and uplift the poor and needy. This shows his generosity and helpful nature. I wish all success to this programme."
Abul Rauf Puthige of Talent Research Foundation said, "To provide social service or to help others you need not be rich, but you should have a big heart and willingness to serve. I will contact at least 100 people to help in this cause."
Fr Victor Machado of Cordel Church, Kulshekar who presided over the programme said, "This is a unique programme. The word 'mannah' is also mentioned in the Bible. We should take small steps for good work and implement it effectively. Cordel Church we will also help in this noble cause."
Joseph Crasta welcomed the gathering.
Yogish Shetty Jeppu, Elias Fernandes and others were present.
Tele-Radiology Centres soon
Speaking to media on the sidelines of the programme, U T Khader said that as there is a shortage of radiologists in the state, the health ministry is planning to start Tele-Radiology Centres soon. "Our state will be the first to start such centres. We have already identified four districts and one taluk for this plan. It will help people." However, he declined to name the places identified.
Khader also said that discussions are on to extend Snehalaya's programme to other districts and talks would be held with hotel owners' associations in various districts to implement the same.
He also informed that after salaries of doctors were increased, there has been good response for vacant posts. "Already 2,000 applications have come for 381 posts for MBBS doctors, 3,000 applications for 87 dental posts and 80 percent of applications for 965 PG posts," he said.
He also informed that the health has planned two or three more programmes and is waiting for the chief minister to inaugurated them.
When asked about BJP's allegations that the Youth Congress had insulted the nation by hoisting the party flag on the National Flag pole recently, over which a case was also filed, Khader brushed aside the issue and said, "It was an unintentional mistake, and Youth Congress has already apologized for it. BJP is waiting for us to make mistakes. We have constructive mind, but BJP has a destructive one. Why are BJP and PM Modi silent on the waving of Pakistani flag in Kashmir? Why did BJP and PDP free a terrorist (Masarat Alam)?"
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