Gas Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Babulal Gaur has said that effective steps should be ensured for employment to youths of gas-affected families. He also directed to ensure optimum use of shades constructed for gas-affected people in Govindpura industrial area. Gaur was reviewing departmental activities here on Monday.
Gaur said that youths are required in large number as paramedical staff, especially in nursing service, in Bhopal. For this, training should be imparted to selected females through certified institutions. He directed officers to start business for gas-affected persons on the lines of readymade garment-making being conducted in Indore. Gas Relief Department has constructed 152 shades in Govindpura industrial area which are lying closed.
He also directed that doctors and paramedical staff in hospitals for gas-affected people must wear their identity cards during duty. Director Gas Relief and Rehabilitation AR Khandelwal informed that 33 medical centres are being operated for gas-affected people. Besides, 6 hospitals and 9 daycare units are also functional. On an average, 3200 gas-affected persons are treated at these institutions daily.
It was informed that cooperation of Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital is being sought to provide free treatment to gas-affected cancer patients. So far, 3587 patients have been referred to cancer hospital. The department has released Rs 23.85 crore to the cancer hospital.
Arrangements for training of 5680 gas-affected beneficiaries were made through 12 institutions as on January this year. Director Kamla Nehru Hospital informed that medicines and equipments are being purchased as per hospital’s requirement. Information about arrangements in the hospital was also given. At the meeting, progress of construction of Bhopal Gas Tragedy Memorial was also reviewed. The memorial is being constructed by messrs Space Mentors New Delhi. Cost of the project is Rs 116 crore.