Bengaluru: In a move which could encourage public to save lives of accident victims, the State government decided to institute the ‘Jeeva Rakshaka’ award. The award would be presented starting this year to anyone who helps and saves lives of accident victims.

Discharging his duties as Minister for Health and Family Welfare before the change of portfolio, U T Khader said on Tuesday that the work on generic drug stores is complete at government hospitals. Chief Minister Siddaramiah would be inaugurating them soon.

Khader, addressing is last meet as health minister said that he had worked for people during his three-year tenure. He informed that work is in progress to start ICU’s in all district and taluk hospitals.

About handling the new portfolio, Khader said that it was like a promotion for him to move from the health ministry to food and civil supplies department.