Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Jun 20: The district unit of Karnataka State Government Nurses' Association on Friday June 20 honoured three retired nurses with the Florence Nightingale Awards at the children's hospital attached to Wenlock, donated by Infosys Foundation.
U T Khadar, minister for health and family welfare presented the awards to Vishalakshi Jesumen, Kamala Hoogar and Victoria Janet in recognition of their dedicated service to the nursing profession.
Addressing the gathering, Khadar said, "A hospital can be managed without doctors, but not without nurses. Nurses should offer good service to the patients. We have already written to the chief minister about the demands of nurses. A meeting will be convened between June 23 and 29 with officers of the health department and a decision will be arrived at.
"Problems like shortage of staff and need for recruitment have been brought to the notice of the chief minister. Government staff who are working on temporary basis will be made permanent. This time the health department will give importance to filling vacancies," he said.
"The hospital staff should give high importance to improving health indicators. Karnataka is placed lower than Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh in terms of health indicators," he added.
Acknowledging the honour, Vishalakshi Jesumen said, "Karnataka State Government Nurses' Association is like my family. Though I retired 18 years ago, and I am in poor health condition, I came here to receive the award because of the attachment I have towards this organization. Though I retired long ago, the association has remembered my service and honoured me. There is no shortcut to success. Nurses should offer service with respect, unconditional love, and righteousness towards patients. The association should hold awareness programmes for the benefit of the people."
Khadar also held an interactive session with patients who are undergoing peritoneal dialysis.
Bhavani, district president of Karnataka State Government Nurses' Association said, "The government is neglecting the services of nurses.Their condition is very bad. When environment is good and the hospital has all the facilities, nurses can provide service with a smile. But in Wenlock hospital there is shortage of beds. Even the patents' relatives behave rudely with us. The state government should fulfil our demands."
Consultant nephrologist of KMC Hospital Dr Mayur Prabhu and others were present.
No false information provided on Endosulfan
Addressing reporters on the sidelines of the programme, Khadar denied allegations that the health department had provided false information on Endosulfan in response to RTI queries. "No officer has given false information on Endosulfan. People who are alleging so, should have first brought this issue to the notice of the committee, the district incharge minister or to me. It has been told to the media without being brought to the notice of the government. Any officer found to be guilty of providing false information will be expelled," he said.