Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jan 2: The Udupi district BJP Mahila Morcha has criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government for its alleged failure to address the rising maternal and neonatal deaths in the state.
Sandhya Ramesh, district president BJP Mahila Morcha, addressing media in the press meet held on January 2, said, “The Congress government in Karnataka has bestowed a legacy of 'suicides and deaths' on the people of the state. Over the past 19 months. About six officials have been forced to commit suicide under this government, more than 700 maternal deaths have been reported in Karnataka and over 1,100 neonatal deaths have occurred, with the Congress government held accountable.”
Sandhya Ramesh, stated, “Widespread corruption and commission rackets in the health department, leading to substandard medicines and medical supplies, the failure of the state government to properly implement central government schemes like Matru Vandana Yojana and Indradhanush. Misuse of funds allocated by the central government for these programmes and negligence in testing medical supplies like Ringer’s Lactate solution, with only random batch testing conducted is the reason for deaths in Karnataka.”
Udupi district BJP Mahila Morcha demanded for compensation of Rs 25 lac for the families of mothers who died in government hospitals, The government must adopt the orphaned children of deceased mothers, ensuring their social, educational, and economic security. A supervisory committee must be formed to monitor this, resignation of health and family welfare minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and women and child welfare minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar for their failure to prevent these deaths. A judicial inquiry led by a High Court judge to ascertain the actual causes of maternal deaths.
Sandhya criticized the state government and said, “The state government has completely failed to implement central schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Program, PM Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, Poshan Abhiyan, and others meant for maternal care. The state’s failure to deliver essential supplies like food kits, calcium, protein, and iron supplements to pregnant women under Poshan Abhiyan and Janani Suraksha Yojana. Regular check-ups and timely disbursement of Matru Vandana Yojana funds are neglected. A fair investigation is needed to punish the culprits. Primary health centers across Karnataka are in shambles due to the government’s irresponsibility. There is a shortage of staff, lack of proper diesel for ambulances, non-payment of ambulance drivers, absence of ICU facilities, and blood banks in government hospitals. The government must evaluate and upgrade all primary health centers and hospitals immediately.
Udupi district BJP chief secretary Reshma Uday Shetty urged for Udupi district in-charge minister and children and women's welfare minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar. “Congress leaders are not ready to accept their mistakes. Chief minister Siddaramaiah should have resigned over the MUDA scam. Even Priyanka Kharge. Lakshmi Hebbalkar failed in her duties. She has not visited the district. As she failed in her duties, she will also fail in taking the responsibilities of the department, therefore she must resign from her position.”
The Mahila Morcha has decided to protest at all district centers across the state and is submitting a memorandum to Udupi district deputy commissioner.
BJP leaders Shilpa G Suvarna, and Harish J Suvarna were present during the press meet.