Kottayam  :

The land of letters is all set to receive yet another tagline with the district being recognised as the complete palliative- care district in the state.

The announcement   was made by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at a function held here at the district panchayat Hall at 10 am on Sunday.The Chief Minister said that the government will raise the remunerations for palliative care nurses.

“The nurses are playing a crucial role in the palliative care sector. An order to raise their remuneration by Rs 2,000, increasing their basic salary to Rs 8,000, will be issued. Along with this, the government is also planning to further hike their salaries. Favourable decision will be taken to address each and every demand they have raised, including regularising of their jobs,” he said.

He offered all possible support from governmental agencies for the smooth functioning of the Palliative Care Project. He gave away the awards for palliative care activities to the respective local governing bodies and charitable organisations at the event. Transport Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan presided over the function. The project aims at taking care of those who have been suffering from chronic illness, paraplegics, mentally challenged persons etc. Under the project, the volunteers conduct home visits and provide special care and attention to the patients. The project is coordinated by the district panchayat, Health Department, Arogya Keralam Palliative Care Project and various other charity organisations.

The Vaikom municipality, Kidangoor, Chembu, Kadanadu, Parathodu and Meenadam grama panchayats, the Caritas Hospital, Thellakom, and Mar Gregorian Palliative Care Society, Thoothootty, were selected for the awards. Along with that, awards were given for palliative care activists.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Express News Service / August 11th, 2014