Date:01/06/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/06/01/stories/2004060100621900.htm

Back Decision on handing over diagnostic centres in Kerala

Our Bureau

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Health Minister, Mr Kadavoor Sivadasan, has said the State Government has decided to hand over regional diagnostic centres in Kollam, Ernakulam and Palakkad to hospital development committees.

Addressing a review meeting of district medical officers here, the Minister urged officers to help the hospital committees raise more revenues and provide diagnostic services to the poor at affordable rates.

The officers were told to use all their resources to end bribery in district hospitals. Disciplinary action, including transfers, could be used as deterrents to rein in corrupt employees or the officers could take the initiative to report the matter to the Government.

The meeting reviewed the condition of equipment lying in a state of disrepair in various hospitals and decided to take up repairs of those that could be brought back to shape, and auction the rest. If the hospital committees were strengthened financially and the equipment kept in good condition, government hospitals could compete with private super speciality hospitals, the Minister said.