Date:03/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/03/stories/2006040308640500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Parties have similar aspirations on health front

Ramya Kannan

Upgrading, modernising infrastructure tops agenda

AIADMK showcases its work over the last five years, promises to step up efforts
DMK says it is committed to upgrading major general hospitals

MDMK promises to fill vacancies in government hospitals

CHENNAI: When it comes to addressing health concerns, almost all parties in the State seem to have similar aspirations.

Their manifestos show only minor variations. Upgrading and modernising health infrastructure tops the agenda.

The AIADMK, showcasing its achievements over the last five years, promises to step up efforts. The DMK lays stress on improving the quality of service in government hospitals.

The AIADMK manifesto places importance on continuing with the schemes already introduced, such as the World Bank-aided Health Services Delivery Project, the cleft lip and palate rehabilitation scheme, birth companion scheme and 24-hour Comprehensive Emergency Maternity Obstetric and Newborn Care Centre.

Recalling the recanalisation programme offered to women who lost their children during tsunami, the party has pledged to continue it. Couples who opt for the procedure will get Rs.25,000 for the surgery. It is also committed to controlling population growth.

The DMK and the MDMK have both laid emphasis on filling existing vacancies (medical and paramedical) in government hospitals.

The DMK has promised to make all contract employees in the health sector permanent. Among the other major assurances is to set up special monitoring cells in every government hospital to improve and ensure quality of Medicare treatment.

Going by its manifesto, the DMK seems to be committed to upgrading the major General Hospitals in Tamil Nadu to the status of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences. It has pledged to provide facilities for heart surgery at all district headquarter hospitals.

Modernising Public Health Centres and improving the quality of diagnostics and medicare using hi-tech implements are part of the MDMK's agenda. The party also proposes to introduce free vaccination for hepatitis and rabies.

AIDS awareness

A general statement that awareness on HIV/AIDS will be stepped up is coupled with an undertaking to turn the focus of the government on lifestyle diseases and their ramifications. The existing low-cost master health check up programme will be expanded to cover more people in the lower socio-economic group.

The party's decision to keep outpatient units open even in the evening is sure to find some champions.

The PMK has stuck to its oft-repeated agenda in health care proposed by its founder S.Ramadoss and Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss with its unique reference to addictive substances.

The sale of addictive substances such as gutka, ganja, pan masala and all forms of tobacco will be banned outside educational institutions and public places. Violations will attract a fine of Rs.1,000 and imprisonment, according to the manifesto.