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Union Minister assures Kerala of special package

Staff Reporter

Says chikungunya is not the primary cause of deaths

ALAPPUZHA: Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss confirmed on Friday that the epidemic in the district was chikungunya. However, it was not the primary cause of the deaths, he said.

At a press conference here, the Minister said his opinion was based on a preliminary report submitted by a team of experts. He said those afflicted with chikungunya could have died due to secondary complications or improper treatment. He said 70 per cent of those who had died of fever were over 60 years of age. The reason could be ascertained only after the expert team submitted its final report shortly.

The Minister said the Union Government would provide assistance to the State for its mosquito-eradication drive. "Mosquito nets, fogging machines and aid to conduct publicity campaigns and awareness programmes will be provided to the State." However, the Minister did not mention the quantum of aid. A special package would also be announced for the State, he said.

Mr. Ramadoss said the vector control research station at Cherthala, which had been wound up, would be revived. The new station would be equipped to conduct research on all vector-borne diseases. It had earlier conducted research only on filariasis. The Minister promised all help for the State Institute of Virology in Alappuzha. He said he had already directed the Indian Council for Medical Research to provide necessary funds for the virology institute. Nearly 40 community health centres in Kerala would be upgraded, he said.

The Minister said a meeting of Union Health, Rural Development, Environment and other related Ministries would be held to devise a strategy to supplement the National Rural Health Mission.

Mr. Ramadoss arrived at the Thuravoor Government Hospital at 9 a.m. He later visited the Cherthala Government Hospital at 9.30 a.m.

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