Hospitals told to be eco-friendly

As they remain patient-friendly

Health Minister K.K. Shylaja has said that hospitals should be eco-friendly even as they remain patient-friendly.

Giving away the excellence awards instituted by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board here on Tuesday, the Health Minister said the State had to evolve systems to prevent outbreak of communicable diseases. This would be possible only if there were efficient methods to process solid waste, including environment-friendly garbage treatment plants, she said.

She said it was a paradox that while Malayalis were known for their personal hygiene, people lacked civic sense when it came to keeping their neighbourhood clean.

The use-and-throw culture so prevalent among the people was causing untold damage to the environment.

“Every individual should make a conscious effort to maintain a clean environment,” she said.

Garbage plant

Speaking on the occasion, K. Muraleedharan, MLA, said the capital city was in urgent need of a garbage treatment plant that could address the current inadequacies in waste management. The setback to the Vilappilsala garbage treatment plant was a major blow. “Planting of saplings alone is not sufficient to sustain a healthy environment. We also need efficient ways of waste management,” he said.

Giving away the awards for excellence for local self-government institutions, Local Self-Government Minister K.T. Jaleel flagged the need for better waste management systems. Every hotel and restaurant should have efficient mechanisms for waste disposal, he said.

Kumily grama panchayat and Alappuzha municipality won the first prizes.

Awards were also given under various other categories.