MPJ’s 15-day campaign aims to tackle health and social issues statewide

Proddatur – Andhra Pradesh: In a concerted effort to address pressing health and social challenges, the Movement for Peace and Justice (MPJ) has launched a statewide 15-day campaign from September 1 to 15. Led by MPJ central leadership, the initiative seeks to improve healthcare services, ban alcohol, enforce food safety regulations, and combat the sale of expired medicines and fake seeds, all while promoting a cleaner and healthier environment in rural and urban areas alike. As part of the campaign, the MPJ in Proddatur and Kadapa has garnered attention through memorandums submitted to the key officials and inspections of public health facilities.

MPJ fights for prohibition of alcohol and improved medical services

MPJ launched a fortnight-long statewide movement on September 1, 2024, aimed at addressing critical medical and health-related issues. The movement highlights the need for improving healthcare facilities in rural areas, ensuring access to free medical services under the NTR Vaidya Arogyashri scheme, and providing aid through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The campaign also demands a ban on alcohol, which the organization claims is destroying the health and lives of citizens.

MPJ pushes for stricter vigilance on fake seeds and expired medicines

As part of the campaign, Proddatur MPJ President S Hussain Basha, along with other key members, submitted memorandums to various government officials, including the District Collector, Food Inspector, and Medical Superintendent. In their petition to the Kadapa District Collector, MPJ emphasized the need for better medical services in rural hospitals and urged the government to increase the infrastructure and cleanliness in Panchayats, municipalities, and corporations. MPJ also called for vigilance on medical shops selling prohibited and expired medicines.

Hospital visit and inspection

On September 13, MPJ leaders, along with the state’s Chief Secretary Salim, visited Government District Area Hospital as part of their efforts to assess the state of healthcare facilities. During the visit, hospital superintendent Anandan acknowledged the shortage of staff, but assured that the hospital provides free medical services through the NTR Arogyashri program. MPJ leaders, including District President Zakir Umri and Secretary Mohammad Rafi, interacted with patients in the children’s ward to ensure that they were receiving proper care. The superintendent promised that the staff shortage would be addressed by the government soon.

MPJ urges action on plastic ban to protect public health

MPJ also raised concerns over the use of plastic covers in hotels, bakeries, and sweet shops, pointing out the health risks they pose, including the spread of diseases like malaria, typhoid, and dengue. In their petition to the Food Inspector, MPJ demanded strict action against businesses using plastic covers and selling expired food products, which they claim are detrimental to public health.

Demand for vigilance against fake seeds and medicines

The movement also extends to addressing the issue of fake seeds and counterfeit drugs, which have led to farmer suicides in the region. MPJ urged the government to keep agricultural officials and inspectors on high alert, ensuring that appropriate action is taken against sellers of fake seeds and medicines. These actions, MPJ leaders say, are necessary to safeguard the lives of farmers and the public.

MPJ strives to build a healthier society through statewide activism

Proddatur President Sheik Hussain Basha, while speaking to War-Times, said, “The MPJ movement, spearheaded by the call of our state leadership, alongside District President Zakir Umri and key members like Vice Presidents Nazir, Ismail, and Aslam, is focused on raising awareness and pushing for government action on the critical health issues affecting communities across Andhra Pradesh. We are determined to bring about concrete change through our relentless advocacy, and this campaign, which will conclude on September 15.”

This initiative by MPJ highlights the need for vigilance in healthcare services, public health standards, and the welfare of the farming community in the state, drawing attention to critical issues that need to be addressed at the grassroots level.