Mangalore : Minister's humanitarian approach to help needy Shivaraju

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Jan 5: Health minister U T Khadar, who is known for reaching out to common people despite holding a top position has once again proved that he is the people's man, by offering to provide free medical treatment to 17-year-old Shivaraju from Mysore.

Shivaraju, who lost both parents when he was a child, lives in Chamarajanagara in Mysore. At the age of seven, due to some kind of back pain, he had undergone treatment but it affected his legs and the right leg had to be amputated to save his life. Three years ago the pain developed in his other leg too, and he underwent the operation in Ramaiah hospital in Bangalore. But now, the doctor has advised him to amputate the other leg too, as it could harm his life. Unable to bear the medical expenses, and with not may relatives and friends around him, he decided to approach health minister UT Khadar. He tried to meet him the minister in Mysore last week, but by the time he reached the minister's programme, Khadar had left for Mangalore. Shivaraju did not lose his hopes, and with the help some persons he knew in Mangalore, he travelled here by train.

On Saturday, Shivaraju met Khadar. The response by the minister was appreciated by many here, as the boy was allowed to meet him directly without waiting unlike some other ministers who take hours or days to give their appointments!

After patiently listening to the problems of Shivaraju, Khadar immediately directed his secretary to get Shirajau admitted to Sanjay Gandhi hospital in Bangalore by Monday January 6. He even issued a recommendation letter to the hospital management, and also urged the staff to take his full care as the boy does not have anyone to look after him except his grandmother.

Khadar also gave his personal mobile number to the boy to contact him if he faces any problem in the process.

Khadar's instant humanitarian approach touched the hearts of many who were present at the circuit house when Shivaraju came to meet him.

Can Khadar be a role model to all the ministers in Karnataka as well other states in the country?