Comprehensive health plan for all district from January 15

Health Minister Adoor Prakash said here on Monday that government was ready to extend the comprehensive health plan to all districts of the State from January 15.

Addressing a press conference here, the Minister said that the first phase of the programme had been initiated in Alappuzha district. As the result was found good, preparations were done for extension of the plan to other districts. A blue print for implementation had been chalked out at the conference of district panchayat presidents, mayors and health standing committee chairmen of local self governments held here on Monday.

The plan aimed at addressing the growing problem of life style diseases and contagious diseases in the State. Trained ASHA workers and volunteer agencies would organise awareness programmes about life style changes needed and undertake preliminary evaluation of the health status of the participants. Life style disease clinics would be held every week at the primary health centres and services of a specialists would be made available once in a month. Medicines would be supplied free of charge to those with blood pressure and diabetes.

He said that the government had earmarked Rs. 25 crore for implementation of the plan including Central assistance of Rs. 20 crore.

Measures for control of contagious disease would be undertaken in three phases. Vector control would be undertaken from January to March 15. Measures to clean up water bodies and chlorination of drinking water would be taken up from May 15 to July 31. Steps for prevention of leptospirosis and malaria would be initiated from September 1 and would continue till October 31.

Replying to a question, the Minister said that any attempt by chemists and druggists to cause shortage of antibotics and other essential drugs would be dealt with firmly. “The consequence of any such action would be grave,” he warned.

Mr. Prakash said that the government was willing for talks with agitating post graduate students of dental colleges.

He said that the testing of vegetables and meat coming from Tamil Nadu for pesticide and other chemical residues would require establishment of more laboratories. First round of talks had been held towards this.