The Department of Health and Family Welfare is seeking more funds in the Budget to provide relief to victims of endosulfan, including creating facilities for permanent care, said Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader.
“You cannot do it in one day. We need money,” Mr. Khader told reporters when he was pointed out to the claims of endosulfan victims that the State was not showing any commitment in addressing their problems.
The victims have decided to stage a protest in front of the Chief Minister’s office in Bangalore on August 13.
Mr. Khader said the issue of compensation and setting up permanent care facilities could be decided only after enumerating the victims in the three districts. “This survey will be the basis for the package for the victims.” The Minister, however, said no time frame had been fixed to carry out the survey, contradicting his earlier statement that he had asked officials to submit a report in a month’s time.
Mr. Khader said the department has planned to create a facility to take care on a permanent basis for endosulfan victims on four acres of land in Kolya. “But all these require budgetary allocation,” he said and refused to disclose the amount he had sought.
Mr. Khader said he had decided to set up district-level monitoring committees in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada headed by respective district in-charge ministers to oversee the implementation of the relief measures. Local legislators and two members from non-governmental organisations will also be a part of the committee. An official order about the committees will be announced shortly, he said.
Earlier he participated in a function at the Yenepoya Medical College to mark signing of a memorandum of understanding between the college and Mangalore Institute of Oncology to provide expertise for treatment of cancer at the newly opened block on the college premises. The college will offer facilities including surgical, radiation, medical oncology, pain and palliative care facilities for people with cancer.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Khader expressed the need for creating facilities at the taluk centres for early detection of cancer. The State government was considering opening detection centres at every taluk and offer service free of cost, besides opening blood pressure check up facility for persons aged above 30.
MOU signed
Registrar of Yenepoya University Janardhana Poojary, MOG’s Director Jalaluddin Akbar and MIO Director Suresh Rao signed the MoU. University’s Chancellor Yeneopoya Abdulla Kunhi and Mr. Akbar exchanged copies of the MOUs.
Forest and Environment Minister B. Ramanath Rai said hospitals in the district should continue to provide treatment facilities for people at affordable cost and prevent opening of corporate hospitals in the region.