Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, Nov 13: Karnataka Rakshana Vedike has threatened of indefinite protests if the government does not provide chemicals and filters that are out of stock in the government dialysis units in the state and the staff salaries that are pending for payment since the last several months are not paid before the evening of November 15.

The day and night protests will be held at Udupi government hospital premises from 11 am on Tuesday November 16, they said.

“The dialysis unit services contracts in government hospitals in 23 districts out of 31 districts are handed over to BRS company and the contracts in the government hospitals in remaining eight districts are entrusted to Sanjeevini, a private organization. The government has entered into agreements valid for next five years with the private companies in April 2017. However, BRS company that is incurring loss has written to the government that they cannot run the dialysis units any longer.

“More than 1,000 staff members employed in 122 dialysis units in 23 districts in the state are not paid salaries for the last five months. BRS company alleges that the government which has to pay Rs 22 crore as on June 30, 2021 has completely failed to comply with the terms of the agreement.” It highlights the neglect of the government towards poor employees and the patients.”

“Poor patients are already facing several issues. The situation may cause pain, suffering and deaths of patients in the near future. The district health department and the state government will be directly responsible for them. Yuvashakti Karnataka organization and other like minded organizations have joined hands in the campaign,” stated Sudhir Poojary, Udupi taluk president, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and Pramod Uchila, Yuvashakti Karnataka.

Yogish Kutpadi and Hanif Karkala were present.