Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Tuesday urged political parties not to politicise each and every issue, but to come together and work for people's welfare.
Inaugurating the Government Medical College, which has come up at a cost of Rs.100 crore here, he pointed to the participation of Mannargudi CPI MLA V. Sivapunniam at the function and said this was a good example for Opposition parties that appreciated the work of the government.
The government had enhanced manifold funds allotment for the Health Department over a period, he said. The allocation by the previous government for health in 2005-06 was only Rs.1,487 crore. The allotment made by the DMK government for 2010-11 was Rs.3889.41 crore. This showed the importance it attached to health care.
Among the various health schemes implemented by the government, the 108 ambulance service and Kalaignar insurance scheme for lifesaving treatment were the most useful and popular ones, Mr. Karunanidhi said.
He pointed out that Tuesday's function came close on the heels of the car festival of the Sri Thyagarajaswamy temple. “When I was young I raised an issue whether a car festival was necessary for Lord Thyagaraja when farmers were in poverty. Later, when I came to power, I took steps for the conduct of the festival because I thought the economic condition of farmers had improved. I think my views were correct if we consider the situation that prevailed in those times.”
The Chief Minister handed over admission cards to students selected for Government Medical College. He also laid foundation stone for projects to the tune of Rs.346 crore and inaugurated projects worth Rs.148 crore.
Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said that revolving fund and loans to the extent of Rs.10.58 crore were disbursed to 1,022 women self-help groups at the function.
Health Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam said that Kalaignar insurance scheme had benefited 1.53 lakh people. A sum of Rs.415 crore had been spent on them.
Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy spoke.
Principal Secretary, Health, V. K. Subburaj, said that the Tiruvarur medical college was the 17th government medical college in the State. In developed countries, there were 400 doctors for one lakh population. In India, there were only 70 to 80 doctors for one lakh population.
