An all-party meeting called by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to review the fever epidemic crisis in the State on Friday called upon the public to join hands with the government to organise cleaning and sanitation initiatives at the grassroots-level to check the spread of infectious diseases.
The meeting appealed to the public, students, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, and educational institutions to take an active role in making the cleaning campaign from June 27-29 a major success. All local bodies have been asked to call separate all-party meetings before June 27 to ensure total community participation.
Briefing mediapersons, the Chief Minister said all political parties were very cooperative with the government and had promised to stand together for the common cause.
The Chief Minister said the Health Department had already taken steps to ensure that OP clinics in government hospitals functioned after 2 p.m. also, by redeploying existing staff and by appointing temporary staff wherever required. The services of doctors who had retired from service would also be sought. Mr. Vijayan appealed to private hospitals to help the government in the crisis situation.
He said that funds should not be a problem for organising fever control activities. Local bodies could utilise funds for the purpose from their Plan funds, for which they would be reimbursed later. Each ward will be given ₹25,000 for sanitation in addition to the funds already provided. A centralised facility is being thought of in all major cities for garbage clearance. In Thiruvananthapuram, where garbage management has reached a crisis situation, the Corporation has been allowed to appoint 500 persons additionally on a temporary basis.
Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala, in a statement, said all UDF constituents would focus on organising cleaning activities and helping the people rather than indulge in blame game, he said.
