Earlier in the day, the Minister visited two hospitals in Haridwar district: Har Milap Mission General Government Hospital and Government Mela District Hospital.
He was accompanied by Haridwar MP and ex-CM Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, local MlA Madan Kaushik, the Mayor of Haridwar, BJP leaders and officials. He inspected the male and female wards, diagnostic facilities, ICU and operation theatre. After interacting with patients, nurses, doctors and health department officials, Dr Vardhan said that there was an urgent need to upgrade the facilities and equip them adequately.
The health officials demanded upgradation of radiology, ICU, advanced life support ambulances and provision of CT scan. Dr Vardhan expressed disappointment and said that Haridwar is a major pilgrimage centre and should have better health infrastructure. Moreover, the Ardh Kumb Mela, scheduled for early 2016 would place great stress on the existing facilities. He would be willing to fit out the hospitals of Haridwar with better departments, diagnostic facilities, blood banks and more staff. “I will clear all necessary resources as soon as the State Government asks for it. After a discussion with the District Magistrate, D Senthil Pandian, the Minister said that such coming together of different social development-oriented departments was a welcome development. “I hope it serves as a model,” he said.In all, 892 children attended the camp. After screening them for various health issues, the medicos present referred 44 for higher treatment in Dehradun.
When the DM said two Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres - at laksar and Roorkee - would be a big help for special treatment to under-nourished children, the Minister said he would do his best to ensure that they are set up, and also promised to do his best to improve conditions in the hospitals of the State.