Wayanad, July 3 (IANS) Seeking to address the long-standing healthcare challenges in Wayanad, Health and Devaswom Minister K. Muralidharan on Friday announced a comprehensive health package for the district, including the setting up of a super-speciality hospital, the upgradation of key government hospitals and measures to strengthen medical infrastructure and manpower.

Launching the district-level Kayakalpam Janasamparkam public outreach programme at the Wayanad Collectorate, the Minister said the package, comprising more than a dozen initiatives, was aimed at giving a fresh impetus to the district’s healthcare system through targeted interventions based on public feedback.

A major announcement was the government’s decision to establish a super-speciality hospital in Wayanad. The Minister also said the land currently identified for the Wayanad Medical College had been found unsuitable as it falls under protected forest land.

The government is now exploring an alternative site in Mananthavady, warning that delays in infrastructure development could jeopardise the college’s recognition next year.

A meeting chaired by the Chief Minister will be convened shortly to take an early decision on the issue.

The package also includes upgrading Vythiri Hospital into a District Model Hospital, with the foundation stone for its Critical Care Unit to be laid soon, and elevating Sulthan Bathery Taluk Hospital to the status of a District Hospital.

To overcome the shortage of advanced diagnostic facilities in the government sector, MRI scanning services will be introduced in one of the district’s major hospitals.

The Minister announced that adequate staff posts would be created across government hospitals in the district and pending funds for healthcare projects would be released. A dedicated building would also be constructed for the District Medical Office (Health), which currently functions without its own premises.

Mobile Medical Units will be deployed in areas frequently affected by human-wildlife conflict, while a detailed study will be undertaken into the rising incidence of cancer cases in the district.

He also announced financial assistance under the Arogya Kiranam scheme for the treatment of a patient from Kambalakkad suffering from Motor Neuron Disease.

Highlighting recent public health efforts, the Minister said water quality surveillance would be intensified to prevent outbreaks of water-borne diseases, including Shigella.

He said the Health Department’s timely interventions had effectively contained the spread of Nipah and helped keep Shigella infections under control through coordinated action.

Following the inaugural session, the Minister held constituency-wise consultations with elected representatives, officials and members of the public to receive suggestions and grievances, saying the outreach programme would help shape a long-term roadmap for strengthening healthcare delivery in Wayanad.

–IANS

sg/dan