Mangalore : Speaking at ‘Meet the Press’ Programme organized by Dakshina Kannada Working Journalist’s Union at Mangalore Press Club on July 13, Saturday Health department is looking to decrease the hospital construct and not to increase since it want to see healthy people in the state.

He also said government staffs will visit door to door to check the health details of the people and the officials must carry the ledger book and take the name of the house owner and phone number so that people cannot complain the officials of not visiting their house.

Minister also said that health department is planning to increase the the facility of 108 ambulance and ‘Nagu Magu’ scheme, so that pregnant women who are taken in government expenses, will also reach their home happily with their newly born baby at free of cost.

The department will introduce the ‘104’ helpline service, which is a toll-free number through which the people can avail the information on preliminary treatments on calling.

Distribution of generic medicines in hospitals and establishment of Ayush unit in every taluk is a part of health department programmes.

Department have also plans to provide iron tablets to anemic students and compulsory installation of ICU and ventilators in hospitals in each taluk.

The government has also decided to establish Public Institute of Health Sciences in 50 acre plot outside Bangalore at a cost of Rs 60 crore, he said.

Government has also passed a bill in the last assembly session, which states that MBBS and PG students must compulsorily serve one year in the rural areas to get their certificate after 6 months internships in their respected colleges. The bill is waiting for approval from HRD ministry.

The government has also sanctioned Rs 9 crore for Lady Goshen hospital, he added.

Speaking on Endosulfan victims, he said that two committees have been formed namely executive committee headed by district in-charge minister and enforcement committee headed by deputy commissioner, in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Karwar districts, will make the compensation reache the victims directly without delay.

DKWJU president P B Harish Rai welcomed the guests and gathering and secretary Srinivas Indaje proposed vote of thanks.