THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government will conduct a survey to find out the full impact of ankylosing spondylitis in the state, which is primarily seen in the male population in the age group of 20-45 years, health minister K K Shailaja said in the assembly on Wednesday. Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis affecting the spine.
Replying to a calling attention motion by Murali Perunelli, the minister said the country has recorded fewer incidence rates with seven cases among every one lakh people compared to countries like China and the US, with 25 cases per one lakh people and 15-20 per one lakh, respectively.
The minister said the government will examine what all the government can do with regard to providing treatment for those affected by the disease.
“Medical colleges provide free treatment for the disease. The government will examine whether it can get any additional help from the Centre,” she said.
However, the anti-TNF category drugs used to reduce the intensity of the disease were not available in government hospitals, she said.
“Physiotherapy treatment is available in the 22 physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) units in the state. In addition, IRR therapy, ultrasound therapy and passive movement therapy are also available in the PMR units,” the minister said.
To another submission with regards to the treatment provided to Thalassemia, raised by A N Shamseer, the minister said under the disabilities Act 2016, the government will provide treatment facilities and will set up separation units at three locations in the state, including in medical college, Kozhikode.
The submission requested that the treatment should be brought under the government’s Karunya Scheme and that free treatment, presently provided only to those under 18 years, should be extended to other age groups as well.
Govt to not cancel higher status given to some hosps
K K Shailaja said in the assembly that the government will not cancel the higher status given to some hospitals during the UDF rule. Many hospitals were upgraded into taluk-level hospitals without sanctioning any facilities, she said.
The government has decided to introduce specialty departments in these hospitals to bring them to the status of taluk hospitals, said the minister.