Media Release
Udupi, Sep 21: Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, Shirva Deanary annual meet and Manipal Aarogya Suraksha card distribution programme was held in Saudh Sabha Bhavana, Shirva on September 20.
U T Kadhar minister of health and family welfare was one of the chief guests at the programme.
Addressing the gathering he said that, "Prevention is better than cure. Health issues must be dealt with by proper medication, drinking clean water, following a balanced diet and by keeping the environment clean. Then one can control 80% of the diseases. The state government in coordination with private hospitals is providing medical help to BPL card holders. APL card holders can also take medical facilities under Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Yojane. The government will be launching Vatsalya Vani Project to eradicate malnourishment in children and women.”
Vinay Kumar Sorake, minister for Urban Development and minister in charge of the district, speaking on the occasion said, “Christians contribution to health care has been enormous. Christian community serves thousands of people in the health care sector in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts.”
Veronica Cornelio, Manipal arogya card doordinator and chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd said that around 12, 675 health cards were distributed last year and this year the number has increased to 13, 064. The medical cover amount has also been increased to Rs 50,000.
Denis D’Silva Memorial award and Joseph Mary Pinto scholarship were given on this event. Panchayat presidents Juliet Veera D’Souza, David D’Souza and Jithendra Furtado were felicitated on this occasion.
Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese, G K Prabhu, registrar Manipal University, Ida Gibba D’Souza, Zilla Panchayat member, Fr Stany Tauro, parish priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva, Wilson D’Souza, vice president of Shirva parish pastoral council, William Machado, Catholic Sabha president, Elroy Kiran Crasto, Alwyn Quadras, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves were present on the occasion.
Mewyn Aranha welcomed the gathering, Leena Machado extended the vote of thanks. Anitha D’Souza compered the programme.