The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : `Revitalise public health system to counter epidemics'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Oct 03, 2006
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

`Revitalise public health system to counter epidemics'

Special Correspondent

Achuthanandan underlines importance of vector control and sanitation

MAHATMA'S MESSAGE: A rally taken out in the city as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations on Monday. - Photo: S. Mahinsha

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan said here on Monday that the economic policies pursued by the previous UDF Government were largely responsible for the recent outbreak of epidemics in various parts of the State.

He was addressing a gathering at the Gandhi Park in connection with the State-level inauguration of the Gandhi Jayanti Week celebrations organised by the Information and Public Relations Department, Department of Education, Gandhian Study Centre and various Gandhian organisations.

Mr. Achuthanandan said the compulsions of the new economy policy compelled the UDF Government to withdraw from the health sector. "Public health centres and Government hospitals were undermined and social health programmes were paralysed. This has now led to the resurgence of diseases like dengue fever, weil's disease and now, chikungunya."

He underlined the need to revitalise the weakened public health system to counter the epidemic threat.

Underlining the importance of vector control and sanitation in battling epidemics, Mr. Achuthanandan criticised the administration for the absence of effective solid waste management.

Vigil against extremism

The Chief Minister highlighted the need to step up vigil against the twin evils of communalism and extremism that were gaining strength in the country.

"The explosions in Mumbai and other places were carried out by terrorist organisations with the objective of generating a fear psychosis. Even though on a smaller scale, Kerala is also witnessing violence by communal and extremist forces."

Mr. Achuthanandan said the communal violence at Marad three years back shocked the State. "We must ensure that such an incident does not happen again in Kerala. It is unfortunate that communal forces are trying to use the report of the Marad commission to incite conflict and polarise the people," he said. Mayor C. Jayan Babu presided over the function. Corporation councillor Satheeshkumar, Information and Public Relations director K.C. Venu, deputy director A. Feroz and coordinator of the Gandhian Study Centre J.M. Rahim were present.

Earlier, the Chief Minister garlanded the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. A Gandhi Sandesa Yatra was taken out from East Fort to Palayam.

Children from various city schools, NCC and CRPF units and representatives of Gandhian organisations took part in the rally.

Hundreds of school children participated in the arts and literary competitions organised as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations.

The Gandhi Jayanti celebrations organised by the Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board began here with garlanding of the statue of the Mahatma and a discourse on Gandhiji.

District Youth Congress committee observed Gandhi Jayanti as service day. Youth volunteers cleaned up the premises of SAT Hospital and planted herbs.

The Kerala Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi observed Gandhi Jayanthi. Chairman P. Gopinathan Nair inaugurated fortnight-long programmes .

The WorldWide Fund for Nature (WWF), Greens and the National Environment Lovers Association (NELA) arranged a performance by magician Attukal Sudheesh in front of the Secretariat to highlight the importance of the Mahatma's message and to campaign for a ban on cola drinks.

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