Health Dept laying more stress on ‘Prevention better than cure’ policy: Khader
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangalore, July 13, 2013: Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader said that his first decision after taking charge as minister was to construct fewer hospitals and initiate precautionary measures to prevent diseases rather than struggling to cure it. He was speaking at ‘Meet the Press’ Programme organized by Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists’ Union at Mangalore Press Club on July 13, Saturday.
He also said that the respect which ministers get is the respect given to their departments and said that a minister has to serve the people with dedication and enhance the reputation of the department.
Khader said district level meetings of health officials should be convened to initiate measures to create awareness on infective diseases so that preventive steps could be taken. He also stressed the need for door to door awareness programmes. Even the gram panchayat and Zilla Panchayat members must help in this direction, he said.
Stating that the Department of Health usually embarks on preventive measures in April, Khader said henceforth such measures would be taken from January onwards.
He also said that health department is planning to increase the facility of 108 ambulance and ‘Nagu Magu’ scheme, so that pregnant women who are taken to hospital at government expenses, will also reach their home happily with their newly born baby.
The department will introduce the ’104’ helpline service, which is a toll-free number through which the people can avail information on preliminary treatments on calling.
Distribution of generic medicines in hospitals and establishment of Ayush unit in every taluk is a part of health department programme, Khader informed. He said his department has also plans to provide iron tablets to anemic students and compulsory installation of ICU and ventilators in government hospitals in each taluk.
The government has also decided to establish Public Institute of Health Sciences in 50 acre plot outside Bangalore at a cost of Rs 60 crore, he said. Government has also passed a bill in the last assembly session, which states that MBBS and PG students must compulsorily serve one year in the rural areas to get their certificate after 6 months internships in their respected colleges. The bill is waiting for approval from HRD ministry, Khader informed.
The government has also sanctioned Rs 9 crore for Lady Goshen hospital, he added.
Speaking on Endosulfan victims, he said that two committees have been formed namely executive committee headed by district in-charge minister and enforcement committee headed by deputy commissioner, in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Karwar districts, which will work to see that compensation directly reaches the victims without any problem and delay.
The sincere and honest officials will always remain in the health department, he added.
DKWJU President P B Harish Rai welcomed the guests and gathering and Secretary Srinivas Indaje proposed vote of thanks.