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More investment in health sector, said President Pranab Mukherjee

 

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President Pranab Mukherjee lamented the lack of infrastructure and health personnel in the country, particularly in rural areas, and expressed hope that more investment would help bridge the gap.

The president said the country requires not only accessible but affordable medical facilities. After laying the foundation stone of a specialized hospital in this place, he said that creating better health infrastructures through investments has helped cure many diseases, but "there is still a huge gap."

"Against the international standard of one doctor per thousand inhabitants, we have a doctor for 1,700 people in our country," he said. "No civilized society can tolerate this," he said. The situation is more alarming in rural India, where the shortage of surgeons is estimated at 83%.

The president offered solutions to help overcome some of the challenges. He suggested that the situation requires increasing the number of medical schools and the commitment of the corporate sector, especially in the rural area. He asked people to think about the type of health system they want: a commercial, lucrative system or a system compatible with the socio-economic conditions of society.

 

The president also condemned attacks on doctors, medical staff and vandalism of health institutions. "This is no way... If you can't trust doctors whom can you trust."

Mukherjee also visited the 800-year-old Sri Krishna Temple at the Udupi. The temple was renovated with handcrafted wood a month before the presidential visit, said KR Shashank Bhatt, a disciple of the 88-year-old head priest at the temple. Udupi is considered a breeding ground for the banking sector and the birthplace of Syndicate Bank and Corporate Bank. The coastal town of Karnataka is also known for its kitchens and temples.

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