'Lack of healthcare, education in rural areas cause for migration'

Speaking after inaugurating the ‘Smriti Din’ of T M A Pai and T A Pai followed by seminar on ‘Health for all’ organised by Bharatiya Vikas Trust, Manipal in association with Academy of General Education, Manipal and District Health and Family Welfare Department, Udupi at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College here on Saturday, he said that most of the problems can be solved if healthcare and education amenities are available in the rural areas and also the people are offered good job opportunities.

Stressing on the importance of prevention of a disease over cure, Dr Ballal said, “Unfortunately in India only 20 per cent is invested on preventive measures. Besides, early detection of the disease is also important. Currently there are a lot of sophisticated diagnostic facilities in India. Covering people below poverty line under insurance schemes will increase supportive measures to cure the diseases.”

The medical facilities in PHCs is very poor. Normally doctors who are appointed to work in PHCs will be in Vidhana Soudha bargaining for their transfers. To overcome this inadequacy, it should be made mandatory for the graduating medical students to serve in the rural areas before going for post-graduate degree courses, he said.
DHO Dr Ramachandra Bairy said that health, education and income play a pivotal role in human development. National Rural Health Mission with elaborate plans supporting all round health measures is aimed at health for all by 2012.

Most of the deliveries in district, especially in rural areas are taking place in the approved health care institutions. However 12 deaths have been reported last year during the course of delivery owing to deficiency of haemoglobin. It is only 8.5:1000 births in the district when it comes to infant mortality rate. It is far better and much similar to that in the most advanced countries. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) are given one month training including 21 days of indoor training in taking care of would be mothers. As many as 21 activists have undergone training in the district, he added.

A mobile medical unit is set up in the Naxal prone areas of Amabagilu, Madammakki, Shedimane and Rattadi. Plans are on to introduce two more mobile medical units at Hallihole, Kollur and Karkala. The programme is delayed owing to lack of doctors. There are as many as 26 Ayush doctors in the district. However 38 posts are still vacant, Bairy said.

Malaria and HIV are two communicable diseases in the district that pose severe threat.
Syndicate Bank General Manager J C Mishra distributed vegetable seeds on the occasion.
Manipal Press Ltd Director Sathish U Pai, Manipal University Public Health Department Head Ramachandra Kamath, K V Bhat from SKDRDP and others were present.
DH News Service