Imphal, May 14 2009: In a bold and noble move, the State Government has launched an initiative under which all medical expenditures incurred in treating accident victims at JN Hospital will be borne by it.

On the other hand, Police Department have arranged 4/5 pharmacies to ensure availability of drugs and medicines.

Briefing media persons at his office chamber today, Health Minister Ph Parijat said Government would bear medical expenditure for treatment of victims of motor accidents, snake bites, electric shocks and all forms of accidents in case they are treated at JN Hospital.

Already, many victims of accidents who were treated at JN Hospital have been extended the same benefit.

Moreover, money spent on purchasing medicines from outside pharmacies has also been reimbursed to the patients.

Except for some very costly medical test, all necessary medical test will be conducted at JN Hospital free of cost.

Certain percentage of the amount incurred in conducting test in medical laboratories outside the hospital will also be reimbursed, said the Health Minister adding that due instructions have been given to all concerned to implement the new initiative properly.

On the other hand, taking serious note of the hardships being endured by the people, particularly patients following closure of pharmacies in protest against monetary demands by UG groups, necessary arrangements have been made under an understanding between police and pharmacy agents so that 4/5 pharmacies are kept open to ensure availability of medicines to people.

The State Government has issued strict instruction to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and the DGP in this regard yesterday.

Under its effort to control malaria in the State, Health Department has trained 100 selected multipurpose workers and they have been sent to different districts.

These workers would go to interior places and conduct blood test of persons suspected to be infected besides initiating other necessary measures, Parijat said.

The Minister maintained that there was no manipulation in reservation quota during recruitment of Professors, Associate Professors and Senior Resident Doctors for Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences.

The recruitment was done department-wise.

Reservation for STs was made in departments where it was practicable, he added.