Award instituted in Lini's memory

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: State government has decided to reward the medical team that fought the outbreak of Nipah virus in state. On Wednesday, the cabinet decided to institute an award for the best nurse in the government sector in memory of Lini Puthussery, the nurse who died of Nipah fever while treating patients.

"Many worked relentlessly to eradicate Nipah even when people were afraid of leaving their homes. The government has decided to reward them for their exemplary courage and service," said health minister KK Shailaja.

The government has decided to provide an additional increment to 61 employees under the department who were directly involved in the drive against the disease in Kozhikode. This will include four assistant professors, 19 staff nurses, seven nursing assistants, 17 cleaning staff, four hospital attenders, two health inspectors, four security staff, one plumber and three lab technicians.

In addition to this, 12 junior resident doctors and three senior resident doctors will be given a gold medal (one sovereign). "These people have done exemplary service ignoring fear and threats. Lini's death created a wound in the hearts of everyone in state. She ignored dangers and treated patients. She sacrificed her life to treat them. These people are the backbone of the health department. Hence the government feels that it is its duty to reward them," said the minister.