Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said that the government is giving top priority to health and educational sectors and the focus is to remove disparities in providing health services to the people living in rural areas.
He was inaugurating the Idukki Government Medical College here on Thursday. Mr. Chandy said talks were progressing with regard to the take over of Pariyaram Medical College. The setting up of Haripad, Wayanad and Kollam medical colleges were delayed due to the problems in land acquisition.
Revolutionary changes Revolutionary changes had to be made in health and educational sectors and those living in urban and remote rural areas should get equal access to health and education, he said. It was with a view to establish medical colleges in all the districts that steps were initiated and works were being completed in a time-bound manner, he said.
“Those living in Idukki district now have to travel to Kottayam Medical College or Theni Medical College for emergency care. This situation should change,” he said. He added that ensuring equal opportunities for all was the focus of the government. Steps were being taken to ensure that welfare activities continued despite the present financial crisis, he said.
The Chief Minister preferred not to speak about the title deeds issue though Roshy Augustine, MLA, who delivered the welcome speech, said he expected Mr. Chandy to announce the issuance of the title deeds to the settler farmers.
Health Minister V.S. Sivakumar presided over the function. Water Resources Minister P.J. Joseph and Joice George, MP, among others, were present.
