Kerala government has proposed to set up specialised care centres at medical colleges for students returning from war-torn Ukraine.
Health Minister Veena George said Thursday that besides providing psychological care, the government facilities will also attend to any physical problems the students might have having endured the ongoing conflict in the East European nation.
"Each medical college in the state will have special teams designated for the purpose," said minister George.
At least 2,320 Malayalis were estimated to be in Ukraine at the beginning of the Russian attack. The majority of them were students pursuing medical education.
"The medical colleges' control rooms have been informed to co-ordinate calls made by students repatriated from Ukraine.
"Students are advised to contact these control rooms if they have any problems. Beds will be reserved for them in COVID, Non-COVID ICUs and pay-wards," said the minister.
Those in need of counselling are advised to contact DISHA helpline numbers 104, 1056.
Besides, facilities to monitor the health of the returning students are set up at the four major airports of Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kannur, said the minister. "Health Desks are set up at these airports. Fresh admissions and those seeking follow-ups can approach the medical colleges," said minister George.
