(a) whether the Government are aware that women affected in Bhopal Gas Tragedy have developed infertility;
(b) if so, the action taken by the Government in this regard;
(c) whether women and men in gas affected areas have been medically examined by the Government;
(d) if so, the results thereof;
(e) whether any scheme has been prepared by the Government for extending medical help to the affected persons; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. C.P. THAKUR)
(a)to(f): A statement is laid on the Table of the Lok Sabha.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 58 TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.11.2000
Studies carried out by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) did not show any adverse effect of gas exposure on the fertility of women. However, the study indicated higher abortion rates in subsequent pregnancies in women from the exposed areas, as compared to women from the unexposed areas. No study has been carried out for ascertaining infertility amongst males who were exposed to gas leaks in Bhopal.
A Five Year Action Plan for medical, economic, social and environmental rehabilitation of the gas victims in the affected areas was sanctioned at a cost of Rs.163.10 crores in 1990, which was later increased to Rs.258 crores to be shared in the ratio of 75:25 between Central and State Governments. The measures under medical rehabilitation include:
1. Focus on establishing new hospitals/dispensaries and augmenting existing facilities in affected areas.
2. Providing 755 beds by constructing 4 new hospitals, in addition to 275 bed capacity already existing in Bhopal.
The Central Government has released its share of Rs.193.50 crores.
In addition, construction of a 290 bedded specialty hospital is under construction as part of implementation of the Supreme Court orders dated 03.10.91. This hospital will have facilities for treating respiratory diseases, cardiology, neurosciences, gastro-enterology, opthalmology, etc. The construction of this hospital is monitored by a trust under the Chairmanship of the former Chief Justice of India, Shri A.M. Ahmadi.