Kannur, March 14 (IANS). Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that Kerala has now become a state in the field of health, which is being appreciated all over the world. He said this while inaugurating the building of Iriveri Community Health Center at Chakkarakkallu. This five-storey building has been constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 20 crore.
The Chief Minister said that while the infant mortality rate in America is 5.6 percent, in Kerala it has come down to only 5 percent. When countries with big economies were troubled during the Covid pandemic, Kerala’s strong public health system brought the situation under control. India generally lags behind in global health indices. Kerala has left countries like America behind in some respects. All this was possible because of the strong health system of the state.
The Chief Minister reminded that at one time the condition of health services in Kerala was very bad. There was talk everywhere of poverty and weak health system. After coming to power in 2016, the government gave priority to the health sector and launched ‘Ardram Mission’. Major changes were made under this mission. The poor are also getting better treatment now. Projects worth more than Rs 500 crore have been undertaken to strengthen health facilities across the state. In Kannur district itself, 14 health centers have been upgraded as ‘Family Health Centres’.
He said that the effect of these efforts is that the life expectancy of senior citizens in Kerala is increasing. With the improvement in health services, the standard of living of the people is improving.
This program was presided over by MP Dr. V Sivadasan. Chembilode Gram Panchayat President VP Shaija, Kadambur Gram Panchayat President K. Girisan, Peralassery gram panchayat president T. Sunish, Edakkad block panchayat president K.V. Biju, District Panchayat member O.C. Bindu, District Medical Officer (Incharge) Dr. Sachin KC, District Program Manager of National Health Mission Dr. Anilkumar PK. And Dr. K., Medical Officer of Iriveri Community Health Centre. Maya also expressed her views. Executive Engineer of Public Works Department, Savita C, presented the project report.
Modern facilities are available in the new building. This includes X-ray unit, pharmacy, palliative store, oxygen room, generator room, transformer room, laundry and housekeeping areas. There is good arrangement for ambulance and parking for staff and general public in the basement. The ground floor houses the reception, emergency department, observation room, small treatment room, physiotherapy OP, pharmacy, laboratory and NCD OP. On the first floor there are General OP, Specialty OP, Breastfeeding Room, Injection Room and Nursing Station. On the second floor, there are male and female wards, dental OP, eye examination room, palliative OP and doctor’s room.
He said that this new health center will provide better and timely treatment to the local people. Kerala will continue to move forward in the field of health and will become an example for the country.
–PM
SHK
