Patients queue up at the health camp in Bhagalpur. Picture by Amit Kumar

Health minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey on Sunday advised residents to keep fit and avoid taking medicines.

He also assured that the government, with its Dus ka Dum, Swasth Rahenge Hum scheme, is taking adequate measures to spread awareness on preventive measures.

On the concluding ceremony of the two-day Swasthya Mahakumbh at Sandis Compound, a large crowd had gathered to hear the minister speak.

Referring to the huge consumption of medicines in the state, Choubey said the budget has allotted Rs 6,200 crore for the health sector of which Rs 265 crore has been sanctioned for medicines.

“If we keep ourselves healthy, we would not need medicines. We have to be lead a disciplined life to keep ourselves fit and healthy,” Choubey said. He added: “The progress of Bihar is possible only with a healthy society and fit people. The state government is doing its best to tackle diseases and provide treatment to poor people in the remote corners of the state.”

He also appealed to the people to quit using tobacco in different forms. “We have started campaigns to counter tobacco-related diseases. We would also introduce stringent laws to prevent sale of tobacco in public places,” he added.

The minister asked doctors to be dedicated towards their professional obligations.

Choubey announced that Bhagalpur would soon have a para-medical institution, the first in the eastern region of the state. “Tuberculosis patients would not have to go to other places for examination. A tuberculosis lab would be opened here,” he said.

“The doctors examined my eyes and I got a pair of glasses for free,” said Budhan Ravi Das a daily wager from Khiribandh in the district.