MYSORE: Union minister of state for health and family welfare, Sudip Bandopadhyay, on Thursday highlighted the need to focus on treating children suffering from cerebral palsy.

The minister, who visited All–India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) here, said more attention will be given to treating cerebral palsy. Speaking about the health sector in the country, the minister said the incidence of diseases like diabetes and tuberculosis (TB) are on the rise, and that 43 TB research centres have been opened, while another 57 are needed.

National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) has been established in 100 districts under 11th Five Year Plan. Pointing at the increase in the number of diabetic and TB cases in India, he said there are plans to establish many more NPCDCS across the country.

The minister was at AIISH for 90 minutes and visited the department of clinical services, academic section, library and information centre, speech–language sciences, speech–language pathology, special education and the department of audiology.

MAMATA TO DECIDE ON BACKING PRANAB When Congress is hoping for the support of Trinamool Congress (TMC) to its presidential candidate Pranab Mukherjee, the UPA partner is holding its cards close to its chest. The party has not decided whom to vote.

"TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee will decide on it," said Sudip Bandopadhyay, TMC leader. When asked whether the party has taken any decision, he said that the party supermo will decide.