Health Minister U T Khader on Friday announced that the government will introduce cashless insurance cards for auto and bus drivers, attendants at institutes and others who cannot afford medical care.
Speaking at the valedictory of a screening camp for breast cancer at M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, he said: “We will encourage mobile cancer screening. All will soon get access to medical care and emergency medicines on dialing 104.”
He further said: “The responsibility for a healthy society cannot be borne only by the government. Non Governmental Organisatios and other organisations have to pitch in.”
Also present were Dr Venkataraman of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, Dr Ram Prakash from Anjana Diagnostics, Dr Shenabagavalli from National Engineering College, Nalattinputur, Tamil Nadu, Dr S Y Kulkarni, Principal, MSRIT and others.
Dr Ram Prakash said, “Thermal imaging and ultrasound were used to identify abnormalities associated with breast cancer in the camp. We want to develop newer technologies. Association of medical and engineering faculties will make a great infrastructure for newer technologies.”
“Imaging techniques must be used by every PHC. Karnataka must take a lead in providing telemedicine and teleradiology in PHCs,” he added.
Dr Venkataraman felt there was a need for a symbiotic relationship between the medical community, engineering community and scientists.
He said: “Department of Atomic Energy believes that nuclear energy must be used for life-saving techniques in health care. We are pioneers in thermal imaging since 1980. A scientific background in medical imaging is good for diagnostics in cancer and diabetes.”