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Bhubaneswar, April 23: In a new push to welfare measures for the poor and the needy in the state, the Orissa government Thursday outlined its proposed free medicine distribution programme. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik explained the details of the welfare scheme in a video-conference with district collectors. A budget provision of `200crore has been made for this in the budget for 2015-16.
The Chief Minister said that as per the plan, free medicines would be distributed to patients at various hospitals across the state, including the three medical college-cum-hospitals – the SCB Cuttack, the VSS Burla and the MKCG Berhampur.
The Orissa state medical corporation Ltd (OSMCL) – a state government undertaking – will be tasked with efficient running of the programme. Generic medicines will be provided to patients at the government hospitals for various diseases including Cancer, sickle cell and psychological disorder. The state government will also make available generic medicines free of cost for treatment of heart diseases and the like.
The Chief Minister directed the collectors to take adequate steps for successful implementation of the scheme. As per the Chief Minister’s directive, revenue divisional commissioners and district collectors would periodically review the programme. They should ensure that free medicines are available day and night for patients in hospitals.
Health minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, who attended the CM’s video conference with collectors, said, “As per the CMs direction, the programme would be launched by the government shortly. A budget provision of `200crore has been made by the state for the 2015-16 fiscal for purchase and distribution of medicines.”
The chief minister also discussed with collectors progress of schemes such as Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana (BPGY), Indira Awas Yojana (IAY), assistance to the needy from CM’s Relief Fund (CMRF) and the Harischandra Yojana. With state government setting a target of constructing five lakh concrete houses this year under BPGY and IAY, Patnaik asked collectors to expedite the work. Patnaik also asked them to create awareness among the public on the Harischandra Yojana in which financial aid is given to the poor.
to conduct the last rites of deceased family members.
