Udupi: Health and family welfare minister UT Khader said that a few positive cases of Coronavirus infection are bound to emerge during testing, and urged the public not to panic.Emphasising that such viruses may persist for thousands of years, the minister noted that fevers primarily manifest in individuals with lower immunity, making it essential for people to stay vigilant and boost their immunity.Khader told reporters on Tuesday that the govt and the health department are fully prepared to conduct screening at airports and other locations.On vector-borne disease control, the minister appealed to citizens to pay closer attention to mosquito control. Regarding the dengue vaccine, the state govt will gather information, review its necessity, and make a decision in the coming days, he said.To a query on the Mother and Child Hospital here, the minister said discussions will be held regarding the issues at the health facility, and an action plan will be prepared soon. He said the inauguration of the district hospital will take place within the next three months utilising existing facilities. An additional Rs 28 crore is required for equipment, and the govt has agreed to release the funds promptly, he said.On lukewarm response to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in the coastal districts, Khader said that to address lagging processes for administering the vaccine for cervical cancer in coastal districts, the govt will attempt to persuade parents through public awareness campaigns.On a demand for enhancement of healthcare infrastructure in taluk centres, Khader said that comprehensive measures will be taken to ensure secondary-level treatment is available at taluk hospitals. Furthermore, vacant positions will be filled swiftly through either contractual or permanent appointments, he added.The minister was in Udupi to visit historic places, including Mallik Deenar Masjid, St Peters Church, Panchalingeshwara Temple, Kattale Basadi and Kalchapra historical commercial centre in Barkur.
