TN should be declared as alcohol-free state:Anbumani

Chennai, Apr 12 (UNI) Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss today expressed his wish that Tamil Nadu should be declared an alcohol-free State, following the footsteps of his father and Pattali Makkal Katchi(PMK) founder-leader S Ramadoss.

Delivering his keynote address on inclusive healthcare during 'TN Vision Summit' organised by the Conferdation of Indian Insutry (CII), he said '' I want Tamil Nadu to be an alcohol free state.'' Citing Article 47 of the Indian Constitution, Dr Ramadoss said every government in the country should abolish alcohol.

The minister said except Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram and Manipur, other States had not taken steps to impose prohibition on alcohol.

He said all State governments should implement the Act by providing adequate infrastructure facilities. It is also their duty to ensure alcohol free zone, he added.

Dr Ramnadoss hoped alcohol would be prohibited soon in Tamil Nadu. The State should also initiate steps to ban smoking and junk foods, he said.

The minister hailed the State for making rapid progress in health sector.

The Centre would also take steps to develop'nursing sector', as India needed additional 25-lakh nurses to cater to the needs of the people, he added.

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