Tuesday, September 27, 2011: CPI-M led LDF opposition on Tuesday staged a walkout in the Kerala assembly protesting against government’s “failure” to check spread of various types of viral fever, including leptospirosis that had claimed 179 lives so far. Lack of medicines and shortage of doctors in government hospitals have led to this serious situation, former Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Issac said while seeking leave for an adjournment motion on the matter.
Issac said more than 300 persons have died of various viral infections in the state in the last few months and about 10,000 people were suffering from fever in the state.
The worst affected districts were Kasargod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Ernakulam and Kottayam, he said. Intervening in the matter, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the government viewed the situation very seriously and steps had been taken to fill vacancies of doctors in hospitals.
Steps have been taken to ensure required quantity of medicines in hospitals, he added.
Replying to the motion, Health Minister Adoor Prakash said 179 persons have died of fever in the state till date since January. Cases of dengue, hepatitis and gastroenteritis were also reported, he said.
Admitting that the situation had not been completely under control, Prakash said the government was able to check the spread of the disease due to the steps initiated by it.
Speaker G Karthikeyan refused leave for the motion after the reply of health minister and chief minister.
Before walking out, opposition leader V S Achuthanandan said it was the inept handling of the situation by the health department that had led to the present serious problem
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