Kerala Health Minister V C Kabeer today announced urgent measures to improve facilities at the Government General Hospital here. The steps included renovation of the oldest block of the century–old hospital and appointment of nursing staff on a temporary basis.

He was talking to reporters after visiting the hospital in response to a photo–feature carried by a leading Malayalam daily in its edition today exposing the pathetic condition of destitute patients at the hospital.

The Kerala High Court earlier in the day took suo motu action on the condition of the hospital based on the photo–feature which showed two aged men lying naked on the floor of the hospital. The minister said the government had certain limitations in creating new posts as the “Code of conduct” following the announcement of local body polls was in force in the state. Still, taking into account the urgent needs of the hospital, the Government would sanction Rs five lakh for renovation of the oldest block. Besides, the hospital development committee had been asked to provide Rs three lakh to improve the sanitation system and an equal amount for improving facilities in the hospital mortuary, he said. On temporary basis, 24 nurses and 25 nursing assistants and other necessary posts would be created, he added. (PTI)