The State government will reimburse the medical bills of all those undergoing treatment for Nipah virus in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. The government will also provide free ration kits to 2,400 families in Kozhikode and 150 families in Malappuram that are under observation for the virus.
This was announced by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at an all-party meeting convened in the context of the virus outbreak. The medical bills will be reimbursed on the basis of the District Collector’s reports. The ration kit includes essential commodities such as 10 kg of Kuruva rice, 1 kg sugar, 500 gm green gram, 1 kg salt, toor dal, turmeric power, chilli powder, coriander powder, and tea. Educational institutions in these two districts would reopen only on June 12, Mr. Vijayan said.
The high alert will continue till the month-end even though the situation is under control. Mr. Vijayan said the joint effort of political parties, media, and social organisations was commendable. Health Minister K.K. Shylaja, Labour and Excise Minister T.P. Ramakrishnan, doctors, and paramedical staff were complimented for their service.
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Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala said the government’s approach in getting the cooperation of every section was commendable and the Opposition appreciated the steps taken by the government. Ms. Shylaja said an expert team would be stationed in Kozhikode till the month-end.