AP Govt denies negligence of tribals' health

Hyderabad, Sep 22 (UNI) Denying the opposition charge that a large number of tribals succumbed to diseases due to its negligence, Andhra Pradesh Government today said it was making continuous efforts to improve medical facilities in the agency areas.

Addressing a press conference here along with Health Minister S Chandrasekher and Hospital Services Minister V Venkateswara Rao, Finance Minister K Rosaiah said as many as 2.10 crore tribal people were provided with medical facilities by the state government.

''We are constantly reviewing the health situation and taking all steps to improve the facilities,'' he said alleging that the previous TDP Government had ''totally neglected'' the health sector.

Mr Chandrasekher said with funding from the UK's Department for International Development (DFID), mobile laboratories would be set up in the next two to three months for the benefit of the tribals.

As many as 81 new Public Health Centres (PHCs) were set up in the tribals areas of the state by the present Congress Government, he added.

Referring to communicable diseases, the Minister said while nine deaths were reported in 2007 only five deaths occurred during 2008.

No deaths due to Malaria were reported this year as against two deaths registered in 2007. Dengue cases had drastically come down, he added.

He said 160 hospitals in the state were being strengthened as neo-natal Intensive Care Units. So far 54 Units had been set up, he added.

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