The Hindu : WB to extend Rs. 650 cr. for upgrading health services

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 25, 2002

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WB to extend Rs. 650 cr. for upgrading health services
By Our Staff Reporter

RAMANATHAPURAM, FEB. 24. The World Bank has proposed to extend financial assistance of Rs. 650 crores for modernising medical colleges, government hospitals and primary health centres throughout the State, according to the Health Minister, S.Semmalai.

Speaking to press persons here on Saturday, he said the World Bank team will visit Chennai by the first week of May to inspect medical colleges and hospitals.

On streamlining the functioning of private mental asylums following the Erwadi fire tragedy, the Government has issued licenses for setting up 18 private mental asylums in the State.

However, no one has come forward to set up an institute in Erwadi, he said. Necessary steps will also be taken to establish a rehabilitation centre at Ramanathapuram to ensure the welfare of the mentally challenged.

Nearly 20 primary health centres, will be upgraded with facilities on par with taluk hospitals, this year and another 25 PHCs, next year. To ensure timely assistance to accident victims, a trauma care centre will be established in Paramakudi which will be equipped with ambulance, scan, lab and blood bank. However, serious cases will be referred to the Ramanathapuram government head quarter hospital.

Later, laying the foundation stone for an upgraded primary health centre at Uchipuli, the Minister appealed to the government doctors to extend service to the poor.

He also called upon health workers to dedicate themselves in implementing health programmes, particularly in rural areas.

Steps will be taken to upgrade Panaikulam, Chitharkottai and Pudumadam primary health centres. The Labour Minister, A. Anwar Razza, the Collector, S.Vijaya Kumar, Joint- Director for Health, K.Akkannan, also spoke.

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