NAMAKKAL: Stating that unsafe handling of food is a key route for shigella infection, which leads to gastroenteritis, Tamil Nadu health minister Dr K G Arunraj on Monday said the government had ordered food safety officers to ensure that eateries sell safe and hygienic food. “We have ordered inspections, sample collections and strict action against unhygienic outlets,” the minister said.
Speaking to reporters in Tiruchengode after a welfare distribution programme, Arunraj said, “In this period of heightened risk, we will take all necessary measures to prevent outbreaks. Every step required to stop the spread will be implemented.” The minister’s remarks come in the wake of cases of shigellosis in neighbouring Kerala.
Earlier, the minister handed over welfare assistance worth ₹1.76 crore to 497 recipients in Tiruchengode constituency, covering ration cards, horticulture-related subsidies, loans for women’s self-help groups and scholarships. He said this was his first large welfare function as an MLA and added that pending petitions would be processed more quickly.
He visited the block medical centre at Mallasamuthiram and instructed staffers to strengthen cleanliness measures and upgrade facilities. He underlined that doctors should treat patients courteously and with respect, especially in 24-hour primary health centres.
Regarding staffing, he said about 96–97% of approved medical posts had been filled. The minister said he would take up the matter with chief minister C Joseph Vijay so that additional posts could be created in district hospitals and medical college hospitals. He said the concerns of contract workers in all departments would be taken up.
