Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Sep 19: Health minister U T Khader on Saturday September 19 officially declared Udupi as 'blood donors' district', at a programme organized to distribute Arogya Health Cards. The programme was held at Shamili Auditorium, Ambalpady here/
The programme was organized by G Shankar Family Trust and Mogaveer Sanghatane in association with Manipal University.
Khader appreciated the noble work of G Shankar and said that he has made Udupi proud by motivating the youth. "This is true patriotism. Udupi district is widely recognized at the state level for its good service. God has created humans so that we can help each other and create a better society."
He also urged private hospitals to make use of government schemes and programmes. "The need of the hour is to save lives of people by taking preventive measures. Our health depends on our food and lifestyle. Drinking water and maintaining hygeine are crucial to having a sound body and a healthy mind," he added.
"Wrong perception of another's religion creates problems. Nowadays, it is tough to believe anyone. We should practice our religion and respect other's religion by participating in their festivals," he advised.
District incharge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake appreciated G Shankar's works and said that he has been working as a good Samaritan for needy people.
The trust distributed health cards to 25,000 families and 1.25 lac members. The medical bill amount given to patients has been increased from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 (in memory of the 80th birthday of Ramdas Pai). The trust has conducted 16 blood donation camps this year and 2,787 units of blood have been collected so far, out of which 30% have been donated to the district hospital at Ajjarkad, and the rest to KMC Hospital, Manipal and other districts.
Udupi MLA Pamod Madhwaraj, Byndoor MLA Gopal Poojary, CMC president Yuvaraj, ZP president Savita S Kotian, Yashpal Suvarna, vice chancellor Manipal University G K Prabhu and others were present.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, Khader answered a question on the Yettinahole project and said, "The proposal was approved during the period of the then CM Sadananda Gowda. At that time, no one opposed its implementation. But now it is too late. If there is any confusion, the officials of the department concerned will discuss it.
"As humans, we should think on humanitarian grounds when it comes to drinking water problems. There are 110 MLAs in other districts facing immense pressure about the project," he added.
On the reported expansion of the cabinet ministry, he said, "The chief minister, party high command and party president will discuss about it. I do not know anything about reshuffling of the cabinet."