Pepsi, Coke are high risk factors: Anbumani

Chennai, Sep 1 (UNI) Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss today advised against partaking of Coca Cola and Pepsi, stating they cause as much harm as tobacco.

''With or without pesticide, carbonated drinks like Pepsi and Coke are high risk factors,'' he said participating in the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Department of Cardio Thoracic Surgery, Madras Medical College.

He said the controversy surrounding the reported high content of pesticides in the bottled drinks, was only a short-term problem and it could be rectified by fixing high manufacturing standards.

''But, I consider Pepsi, Coke and tobacco together as high-risk factors. The health hazard posed by the carbonated drinks is much more serious than the pesticide issue,'' he added.

The Minister also stressed that medical curriculum should be made practical and society oriented.

Regretting that even after five years of medical studies, many students were not able to give injection to patients, he called for a change in the curriculum.

Doctors should also constantly update themselves and re-register themselves after every five years, he added.

Mr Ramadoss announced that the Centre would sanction Rs 100 crore to convert the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Egmore in the city into a Centre of Excellence.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Communication and Information Technology Minister Dayanidhi Maran said his Ministry would take steps to bring out a commemorative stamp on the golden jubilee of the Department of Cardio Thoracic Surgery, Madras Medical College.

UNI AKN DKB HT1940