Imphal, May 15: Expressing strong resentment over slow progress of the renovation work being taken up at the special ward of JN Hospital, Health Minister DK Korungthang fumed interference from any quarters, be it underground outfits, should not be compromised while taking up any developmental work for welfare of the people.

The Minister visited the hospital today to inspect works being taken up there and instructed the accompanying Health Director to submit a report on the progress status.

The condition of the clogged toilets at the Female, Male and Children wards of the Hospital was another sight that was not so pleasing to the august visitor who assured that a sceptic tank would be constructed in consultation with PWD officials.

The Minister also appealed to the patient parties to help in keeping the Hospital neat and clean.

While taking note of the dilapidated condition of the existing Trauma Centre of the Hospital, the Minister assured that arrangement would be made to inaugurate the newly constructed Accident and Trauma Centre this month.

Capitalising on the Minister�s visit, doctors working in the operation theatre highlighted problems of erratic power supply and lack of other equipment like Pulse Oxcilarator, Gas, Steriliser, etc and urged for setting aside certain amount from the State Plan for procuring these equipments.

Accompanied by Superintendent of the Hospital, Director of Health and Departmental doctors, the Mi- nister also inspected other construction works being taken up under NEC funding at the hospital.

Malaria steps: following reports of malaria out-break in some areas of the neighbouring Assam State which had claimed many lives so far, manipur Government have also begun to exercise preventive measures.

Conveying precautionary steps being taken to check outbreak of the deadly disease, state Malaria Officer Dr Dhaballo said based on report of a girl in Kwatha village succumbing to malaria medical personnel were sent to the ascertain the case.

He maintained that no sign of malaria could be detected when blood samples of 50 persons of Kwatha village reported to have been infected with the disease were collected and tested.

While asserting that sufficient medicines to cure malaria have been sent to Moreh to tackle outbreak of malaria, Dr Dhaballo also said Chief Medical officer in Tamenglong district has been intimated to submit a detailed report on whether malaria had spread in interior location of the district.

Disclosing that the Department had adequate stock of anti-malaria medicines and accepting the fact that medical personnel in some hill areas are below requisite strength, the SMO, however, said instructions have been issued to respective district malaria officers to ensure provision of medicines to village headmen and teachers deployed in hill areas which are vulnerable to malaria outbreaks.

Even though there is no report of malaria outbreak in the State, Dr Dhaballo appealed to all concerned to consult medical personnel and have their blood tested if there is any symptom of malaria infection like high fever.

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