Kochi: Despite the financial crisis the Kerala state is in, the United Democratic Front government will not shirk from its responsibilities in health, education and other service sectors, says Chief Minister A K Antony. We seek public cooperation in providing better facilities at state-run hospitals.
Antony says his government is aware of its responsibilities. I admit all government hospitals in Kerala are in a pitiable condition. But since government resources are limited, public and private sectors should come forward to mobilise resources and cooperate with the government in improving facilities at these hospitals.
Health Minister P Shankaran says a Rs 500-crore World Bank-aided healthcare project has been prepared by the state. The project will be submitted to the union health ministry by May 2002. Another project, to improve the infrastructure of Keralas medical colleges, is also on the anvil.
About the controversy on the proposal to introduce a medical fee from patients visiting government hospitals, Shankaran promises that those below the poverty line will be spared from this fee. The issue was unnecessarily politicised.
Antony says his government is aware of its responsibilities. I admit all government hospitals in Kerala are in a pitiable condition. But since government resources are limited, public and private sectors should come forward to mobilise resources and cooperate with the government in improving facilities at these hospitals.