The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in association with the State government, will establish an institution in Srikakulam soon to make an in-depth study of the causes for the chronic kidney disease (CDK) prevalent in the Uddhanam region of the district, Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas has said.
“The modalities will be finalised during my visit to New Delhi this month-end,” Mr. Srinivas said.
The Minister, who toured the Agency areas of Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts in the last couple of days following the outbreak of epidemics, told The Hindu that the government was committed to finding a permanent solution to the problem in the Uddhanam region.
Pension for patients
“The government has established five dialysis units in places such as Sompeta, Palasa, Tekkali, Srikakulam, and Palakonda for the benefit of the CKD patients. After consulting the Chief Minister, we plan to provide the patients a pension of ₹1,500. The government is keen on establishing the research institution as the problem could be addressed if the causes are known,” Mr. Srinivas said.
He promised to arrange medical camps during the weekly shandies in the tribal areas. The Chandranna mobile medical units could also be put to use to extend quick medical care to the tribal people, he said.
“Compared with the previous years, viral fevers have come down drastically this year. The supply of medicines in the remote areas is also adequate. Top priority is being accorded to fill vacancies in all the hospitals. We will encourage the doctors working in the tribal areas by awarding them bonus marks, which will help them get a seat in the PG courses,” the Minister said. They will also be given a chance to choose their place of posting at the time of transfers,” the Minister said.
Responding to a query, Mr. Srinivas said there was no dearth of funds as the Union Government had sanctioned ₹1,500 crore under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) programme.
“The Group of Ministers on medical health will discuss the follow-up action in the tribal areas. A meeting with all the Project Officers of ITDAs will be convened soon to study their proposals for improving medical care in the remote areas of Andhra Pradesh,” he said.
