CM gives nod to nursing and physiotherapy colleges in Mah

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Aug 4 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today gave an in-principle approval to start two new colleges for BSc Nursing and Physiotherapy, besides sanctioning a Rs 22 crore proposal to update medical facilities at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here.

After chairing a meeting organised by the GMCH to discuss the golden jubilee celebrations of the hospital, Mr Deshmukh told reporters here that he has approved the proposal mooted by the GMCH committee. A final draft of the proposal would be prepared by Medical Education Minister Dilip Valse Patil and would be put up before the State Cabinet meeting, scheduled to be held here next month.

The Chief Minister further informed that the Marathwada Statutory Development Board has been asked to provide a financial assistance of Rs one crore to set up a hostel for dental college students in the city.

Earlier in the morning, inaugurating the day-long worshop on Chikungunya at the GMCH, Mr Deshmukh exhorted the need for all-round efforts to fight the viral disease caused by Aedes mosquito.

He also advised the health authorities to include self help groups (SHG), especially run by women, along with 'Anganwadi Sevikas, to create awareness about the disease and its prevention.

At least 2,32,100 people have been affected by Chikungunya in the State, which has recorded about 1,693 outbreaks so far.

The Chief Minister pointed out that there have been more misunderstandings rather than understandings about the disease among the masses and advised the health authorities to transform their awarness drive into a public awarness campaign.

Maharastra Health Minister Dr Vimal Mundada, Medical Education Minister Dilip Valse Patil, Minister of State for Health Suresh Shetty, Minister of State for Urban Development Rajesh Tope, local MLAs Rajendra Darda and Kalyan Kale and MP Chandrakant Khaire also spoke on the occasion.

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