Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 14: Under the instruction of the Election Commission, registration and distribution of Ayushman Bharat - Arogya Karnataka health cards in the district has been suspended for the present. These cards were issued through the Common Service Centres.

This step was taken under oral instructions received from the Election Commission to stop the process till the election process is completed. Over 15 centres in this district were providing this service. The Election Commission's move has created problems for hundreds of people and the centres too face the prospects of incurring losses.

The commission feels that political parties can take unjust advantage of the health card scheme during the election and therefore suspended issuance of these cards. Out of over 145 service centres registered under the scheme in the district, only about 15 centres have been providing proper services under the scheme. It is said that there were charges of political leaders bringing people to these centres in large numbers and misusing the facility of health cards.

Sources said that these centres will become functional after the election and that those who are in emergent need of cards can directly visit the district health hospital and obtain health cards. At the same time, common service centres in Dakshina Kannada continue to provide this service.

Deputy commissioner of the district Dr Hephsiba Rani Korlapati, said that she has instructed the district hospital authorities to ensure that patients visiting the hospital for registration do not face any problems. She said that the stay on issuance of cards brought about by the Election Commission will continue to be in force till further instructions.