Malnourishment: State worries over children's health

Separate wards in hospitals for cases

Medical education and district in-charge minister S A Ramdas announced that separate wards would be provided in 20 district hospitals across the state for dealing with malnourishment among children.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of Mahaveera Community Hall constructed by Digambara Jain Samaja and Mahaveera Bhavana Nirmana Samithi at Srirampura here on Sunday.

Ramdas said the new programme to create separate wards would be inaugurated on August 15.

The state government has planned to construct a separate hospital for treating HIV infected children at Belgaum. In order to construct the hospital, more than 300 acres of land has been set aside, he added.

Earlier, during the inauguration of the community hall, hundreds of devotees had gathered at the venue. Folk troupes including Kamsale artistes participated in the event — adding colour to the celebrations. Observing that violence had increased across the world, Ramdas said Mahaveera preached non-violence hundreds of years back.

 People across the world are turning to the country for leading a peaceful life. The country’s culture has garnered the attention of the people all over the world. The country would become a leader for the world within the next 20 years, he opined.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Mahaveera Community Hall publicity committee member M R Sunil Kumar Jain said the hall would be used for organising religious programmes and marriages.

Built on land of 60x120 feet, he said the total construction cost of the hall was pegged at Rs two crore.

While MLC C H Vijayashankar allocated Rs five lakh from the local area development funds,  the minorities commission had sanctioned Rs 50 lakh. The remaining funds for construction of the community hall was donated by devotees, he added.

Kanakagiri Digambara Jain Mutt seer Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattaraka, Mysore Urban Development Authority chairman L Nagendra, MLC C H Vijayashankar, MDCC Bank president C Basavegowda and corporator Kempanna were present on the occasion.