Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Apr 5: Health minister U T Khader conducted a press meet here at circuit house on April 4.

Addressing the media persons Khader said "To tackle childhood disabilities through the early identification of developmental delays and disabilities and early interventions so that these conditions do not become permanent or debilitating. District Early Intervention Centres (DEICs) will soon be opened in every district hospital and this will be the first point of screening for developmental delays and disabilities in children in the 0-6 years age group. We will be shortly inaugurating this centre here at district Wenlock hospital,"

"Asha and Anganwady workers will be trained, so that they can identify the children with ailments and can refer them to the hospital. The cost of treatment will be borne by the government. In case the treatment is not available in government hospital for major ailments, those children will be referred to private hospital and government will pay the bills. The DEICs will have a special team consisting of a doctor, paediatrician, dental hygienist, audiologist, speech therapist, psychologist, optometrist, and a special educator/social worker, who will screen children for developmental delays or disabilities, suggest and manage suitable interventions, with referral support to those who may require a higher level of medical intervention," he added.

"Physiotherapy centre has been set up in Wenlock hospital and it is ready for inauguration. If chief minister agrees then we would keep the inaugural of all these facilities on April 21, since CM is scheduled to visit the district for some other programme. Pertaining to my constituency, Thokkottu to Melkar road up to Mudipu construction of road is complete at the cost of Rs 7 crore. From there on Mudipu to Deraje work will be initiated soon and already tender has been called." the minister said.

DMO Rajeshwari Devi, DHO Ramakrishna Rao and others were present at the occasion.