Have set up separate wards to treat Nipah patients: CM V Narayanasamy

PUDUCHERRY: The Puducherry cabinet convened under the chairmanship of chief minister V Narayanasamy, on Friday afternoon. The cabinet convened for the first time after the Supreme Court directed the Puducherry government not to implement any decision having financial implications until June 21.

Speaking to reporters after chairing an almost two-hour long meeting, Narayanasamy listed out the decisions taken by the cabinet. He said the health officials in Mahe, territory’s enclave in Kerala where the incidence of Nipah infection has been reported, have set up a separate wards to extend treatment for any patient who tested positive for the virus. He said the health officials have also started screening of patients for Nipah infection. He said he had directed the director (health and family welfare) in Puducherry to take all precautionary measures to prevent an outbreak of Nipah and ensure adequate stock of medicines for treatment.

He said the Adi Dravidar welfare department will be renamed as Adi Dravidar and Tribal welfare department after the Union government recognized the presence of Irulars (scheduled tribes) in the Union territory.

The cabinet also decided to continue implementation of free rice scheme, review holding a caste-wise survey and revive the sick Pondicherry cooperative sugar mill at Lingareddipalayam.