Even as he exhorted people to participate wholeheartedly in the ongoing cleanliness drive in the State, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has admitted that the government’s efforts so far have not been completely successful.
A press note issued here said in places where sanitation drives and vector-control programmes were undertaken there had been a dip in the spread of fever. The government was taking all steps to prevent the spread of fever. Adequate stock of medicines and doctors had been made available in all government hospitals. In addition to personal hygiene, each individual should ensure clean premises too, the press note added.
Opposition’s demand
Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala directed UDF MLAs to lead sanitation drives in their constituencies. A press note issued here said Mr. Chennithala would lead the sanitation drive at his constituency, Haripad, on June 20.
Mr. Chennithala visited the Chief Minister at his residence and handed over an 11-point memorandum. High on this to-do list is a public campaign involving people’s representatives, ASHA workers and Kudumbasree workers to tackle garbage management. Removal of garbage from hospital premises, setting aside special fever wards in hospitals, and putting in place ample mechanisms for blood tests are among the other demands. Mr. Chennithala said the Chief Minister should take charge of the drive. The situation in the State was very serious, hospitals were overflowing, and there weren’t enough medicines.
‘Seek Army’s help’
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), in its petition to Mr. Vijayan, said the common man had no mattress, medicine or medical attention in hospitals. The State must seek assistance from other States or the Army, KPCC president M.M. Hassan said. A special Cabinet meeting and an all-party meeting should be convened to discuss the situation. Those in hospitals should be allocated rations.
