Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Sep 29: Symbolic distribution of Arogya Suraksha cards for 1.35 lac beneficiaries of 30,000 families was held on Saturday, September 28 by health and family welfare minister of the state B Sriramulu.

These cards are given under a scheme that is mooted jointly by Ambalpady G Shankar Family Trust, Udupi district Mogaveera Organization and MAHE, Manipal. Speaking on the occasion, minister Sriramulu said, "Government hospitals also should have advanced facilities and compete with private hospitals by offering good service. Even the financially poor people in society should get good treatment. The government hospitals should be reformed. People should have faith in government hospitals. That is why I am making a tour of the state."

"Organizations like G Shankar Family Trust are doing the work that should have been done by the government. The facility like G Shankar Arogya Suraksha card should be available in all the districts of the state," said the minister.

Trustee of Dr G Shankar Family trust, Dr G Shankar said, "Our trust is giving importance to education and health. The trust is giving health cards in association with MAHE since the last 13 years. This is beneficial just like an ATM."

MLA Raghupati Bhat, who presided over the function, said, "The state government should provide Vajapayee Arogya Sri or Yashaswini cards that were in implementation earlier, to the people."

Dr H S Ballal, associate chancellor of MAHE said, "The amount that is available on the Manipal Arogya card is increased to Rs 50,000 from the earlier Rs 30,000. The demand for this card is increasing year by year. Providing good service to the patients, who visit our hospital, is also our priority."

Vinay Karkera Malpe, district president of Mogaveera Youth organization was present on the occasion. Vice-president Shivaram K M welcomed the gathering. Trust member Shankar Salian rendered the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Chandresh Pitrodi.