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Title : Need to include coastal health project under National Rural Health Mission.
DR[c67] . K.S. MANOJ (ALLEPPEY): Thank you Madam. Kerala, as a whole, has attained majority of the targeted health goals to be achieved in 2000 as set by ‘Health for All 2000’. Many of the health indices are at par with the developed countries. But, Madam, there are regional variations in Kerala. The literacy as well as health status along the coastal area of Kerala where the majority of fisher-folk are still lagging behind. The coastal area does not have enough health facilities as compared to other parts of the State. Most of the health programmes are poorly implemented along the coastal area. Infectious diseases like tuberculosis, malnutrition and other deficiency diseases are still common in this area. Provision of sanitation and safe drinking water is not adequate. Maternity as well as child healthcare has to be improved. Infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate are still high as compared to other parts of the State. So, the coastal area needs special consideration. Considering all these things, the Government of Kerala has submitted a Coastal Health Project which is pending for sanction before the Government of India[c68] .
Since Kerala stands high in health status chart, there is every chance that the State of Kerala may not get the proportionate share when the National Rural Health Mission is implemented. So, my humble submission is, either the Coastal Health Project submitted by the Government of Kerala should be sanctioned or it should be included under the National Rural Health Mission when it is implemented.