Two healthcare programmes launched

Under the schemes, mobile medical units with doctors, para-medical staff and medicines would reach the doorstep of poor patients under the schemes -- Biju Gramina Swasthya Sibira and Swasthya Sanjog.

Describing the new schemes as unique in the country, Patnaik said with improvement in healthcare, figures for infant mortality and death due to malnutrition have declined in the state.

For healthy mother and child the `Mamata Scheme` under which pregnant women would receive Rs 5,000 for their care and proper food would be launched in September, he said.

Patients suffering from cancer, heart diseases and kidney problems were being provided financial assistance from the Chief Minister`s Relief Fund, he said.

Patnaik said his government planned to construct 12,000 anganwadi kendras and provide uniforms to children.

The chief minister inaugurated a women`s hostel of the S.K.D.A.V polytechnic college, a Tahasil office and laid the foundation stone of the Chhend police station in Rourkela.

Speaking on the occasion, Health Minister Prasanta Acharya said in the KBK area, each block will be provided with two mobile units with a doctor, nurse, attendant and free medicines.

About 900 opposition workers of Congress and BJP were arrested while demonstrating against the chief minister`s visit, police sources said.