Saturday, September 2 2006 12:04 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: Adding fuel to the cola controversy, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss yesterday (Sept 1, 2006) said even without pesticides, carbonated drinks like Coca Cola and Pepsi have long-term consequences which are harmful to health.

"All carbonated drinks like Pepsi and Coca Cola have high-risk factors as much as tobacco and a comprehensive policy on such drinks is needed," he said addressing the golden jubilee year celebrations of the cardio-thoracic department of Madras Medical College.

He said the pesticide contents in soft drinks was a short-term issue which could be sorted out by specifying the permissible levels during manufacture.

The minister also said a notification had been issued to specify the contents and nutrients in packed food items.

Cardio-vascular problems and diabetics were on the rise due to the changes in lifestyle and the focus should be more on prevention than treatment.



Calling for sweeping changes in medical curriculum, the minister said "The curriculum should be practical-oriented. Itshould be rural and social oriented".

He announced that Rs 100 crore would be sanctioned for converting the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Egmore in Chennai into a Centre of Excellence.

"Florence Nightingale award for best nurses would be instituted and presented to one nurse from each state by the President to encourage their service and hardwork," he said.

Union IT and Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran, who inaugurated the jubilee celebrations, said he would take steps for releasing a commemorative stamp on the occasion.