Units to be set up in 27 government hospitals

The government will start dialysis centres in 27 district and taluk government hospitals in the State with funds from the Karunya Benevolent Fund, formed with revenue from Karunya lottery.

Minister for Finance K.M. Mani told the Assembly in a reply to a question that Rs.1 lakh would be provided under the Karunya Benevolent Fund to those donating kidney for transplantation. In all, Rs.701.25 crore had been disbursed for the medical treatment of 86,876 patients till April 21 this year. This included the one-time medical assistance given to 26,902 patients. The Minister said the treatment was provided through government hospitals and 72 accredited private hospitals in the State.

The government would make available loans with nominal interest through cooperative banks to those taking up organic farming and homestead, Minister for Cooperation C.N. Balakrishnan said in reply to a question. The Minister said subsidies cannot be given to long-term loans. Nabard had said that subsidies for loans had been extended till July 31.

Minister for Industries and IT P.K. Kunhalikutty said15 public sector undertakings, including the KMML and Malabar Cements, were in profit now. Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Tribes P.K. Jayalakshmi said all preventive measures had been taken to check the spread of monkey fever (Kyasanur Forest Disease) in Wayanad district.

The affected areas were close to the forest and the government had earmarked Rs.31.25 lakh for disease-control activities in KFD-hit areas under the Bathery constituency. A cell had been set up in the Collectorate to coordinate the work of various departments in the affected areas. The government had been able to bring down neonatal deaths in Attappady from 38 in 2013 to 15 in 2014 by effective coordination, the Minister said, adding that only seven deaths had been reported so far this year. Intervening, Minister for Panchayats M.K. Muneer said 172 community kitchens were functioning in the area.

Money to come from Karunya Benevolent Fund

Loans at nominal interest for organic farming

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