Union Health Minister Inaugurates World Health Day
Patna: July 11, 2008
|
Health Minister Inaugurates World Health Day
|
|
Photo by Anupam Singh |
|
|
Central Health Minister Dr. Ambumani Ramdoss, during his inaugural speech at the World Population Day organized by the Health and Social Welfare ministry at Sri Krishna Memorial Hall in Patna on Friday, said the Union government was working on to relax some rules in order to pave way for the opening of three new medical colleges in Bihar.
Encouraging small families in the state, the Health Minister said the birth rate in Bihar was 4.3% as opposed to the national number of 2.1%. "This must be checked if progress is to be achieved by the state," he said.
Ramdoss further said that come October 2nd, smoking in public places would be banned to prevent people from second-hand smoke that is as dangerous as smoking cigarette if not more.
"More than 10 lakh people die of smoking-related ailments each year in India. 14% of the victims are children who need to be kept free from tobacco, alcohol, soft drinks and junk food," the minister said.
Bihar Health Minister Nand Kishore Yadav, in his speech, said the state government was considering opening of district hospitals in each district besides setting up three new medical colleges and hospitals in Bihar.
People living below the poverty line would, from now on, be able to avail free medical services from private health agencies as well provided they first seek treatment at a government hospital of their choice, Yadav said.
Earlier, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar hosted the Union Health Minister for lunch at his home and discussed various health and medical issues affecting Bihar.
Meanwhile, students of Patna Women's College and Ayub Urdu Girls School in Patna on Friday handed out leaflets about the problems related with over-population and formed human chains to mark the World Population Day.
|
|
