News and pics: Silvester D’ Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, March 15: Members of Karnataka Karmika Vedike, a labour forum, visited Kundapur Government Hospital on Tuesday, March 14 after complaints of doctors and staff not responding to patients needs and not monitoring the administration of medicine to them.
Vedike members led by its president Ravi Shetty obtained information on medicine and treatment provided to patients and took the doctors to task from complaints received from some of the patients.
The members went to all the departments in the hospital, obtained details of the basic facilities. They inspected drinking water filter, noticed that it is dirty and showed it to the doctor. They expressed anguish to the doctor about that and of the drain water flowing in the hospital premises.
Vedike president Ravi Shetty asked for justification about neglecting their patients and about other problems, from Dr Udaya Shanker who had arrived at the hospital. “Patients who come to the government hospital are very poor. Is it fair to make them go to private hospitals? Such patients should get treated in this hospital. A petition in this respect has already been submitted to district medical officer”, Ravi said.
Police on spot
The Vedike members had arguments with police circle inspector Chennappa and station inspector Nasir Hussain who had arrived at the location. Members explained to them about the irregularities in the hospital.
Members of the Vedike sat on protests sloganeering and demanding an apology from a doctor who instead of responding to their complaints and providing details acted arrogantly.
The police who saw the situation grow out of control, warned the protesters, made them calm down and disperse.
Vedike president Ravi Shetty speaking finally said that the mess in the hospital should be set right. “Patients should be provided details of the doctors available, scanning and other facilities. Special care should be taken regarding drinking water. The Vedike together with other organisations in the district will hold violent protests if the loopholes are not set right within a week”, they warned.