Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Sep 25: Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes recently inaugurated the Manipal Arogya Suraksha Card distribution ceremony at the Shirva Church premises.
“When we were in power, our government had established 30 medical colleges and started ESI network in the country. At present, life expectancy in India is 60 years. LE is a barometer of nation’s development,” he said.
He was chief guest for the card distribution ceremony.
"We should hold regular health checkup for preventing diseases," he said.
Oscar also congratulated Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh for arranging the facility for Christian families of Udupi diocese.
Veronica Cornelio, co-convener of Manipal health card presented a detailed report of the facility. "This year though the health card premium was increased, all the people from the Udupi diocese gave great support to the scheme. In the present year, totally 13,143 families became members of the scheme. Last year 1,896 patients took medication and availed a Rs 3.13 crore benefit. Five families were also allotted accidental insurance which covers Rs 50,000,” she said. She also thanked Sripathi Rao and Yeshwanth of MAHE Insurance for supporting the Catholic Sabha to make the the facility a success.
Chief guest Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLA Kaup constituency congratulated the work of Catholic sabha and said, “Christians work hard to bring enlightenment through education. Now they are doing this in the health sector. I am privileged to be a part of this programme for the last three years. Population explosion is the main reason for pollution. We need to try our best to bring sustainable development.”
He also urged Catholic Sabha members to promote cleanliness, and sanitation among people.
“Through church, school, orphanage and hospitals Christian missionaries are bringing changes in the society. Very soon a blood group directory of Udupi Diocese will be released," said Fr Denis D’Sa, PRO and director of Health Commission, Udupi Diocese.
Fr Denis D’Sa distributed health cards to deanery level presidents.
Sunitha D’Souza, who won first place in Asian Games long jump competition and Larren Pinto, clay modelling artist were felicitated on the occasion.
Maria Jacintha Mathias, Shirva deanery level president welcomed the guests.
Valerian Fernandes, president Catholic Sabha Udupi diocease, Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, spiritual director, Javintha Colaco, secretary, Solomon Alvares, treasurer, Wilson Rodrigues, zilla panchayat member Shirva, Michael Ramesh D’souza, taluk panchayt member Mudarangadi, Violet Baretto, taluk panchayat member, Gopadi, Vivian Cornelio, convener of Manipal Arogya Suraksha Card were present.
Fr Stany Tauro, parish priest of Shirva church, Gerald Rodrigues, secretary, and Gregory D’Souza, treasurer were also present on the dais.