Dist Congress COVID-19 Committee visits Father Muller’s
Mangaluru: The District Congress COVID-19 committee visited to the Father Muller Medical College Hospital on July 24.
The committee was headed by former minister and MLA of Ullal Constituency U T Khader, former Ivan D’Souza along with other committee members.
Ivan D’Souza thanked the management for its service to the district in a manner par excellence during these difficult times. He further said that the Congress party had created a task force to see the implementation of the government schemes and try to help those in need of help due to COVID-19. The main motive was to help the public avail offers of the government and thus through this meeting make all the team members know of the facilities and charges at the hospital.
The members included Girish Shetty, Secretary City Block Congress Mangalore South; Ashraf Bajal, Corporator MCC; Vishwa Kumar Das, President Mangalore City Block Congress, M Shashidar Hegde, Ex-Mayor; Abdul Ravoof, Corporator MCC; T. Praveen Chandra Alva, Corporator MCC, B Ramanand Poojary, Corporator MCC and Chethan Kumar, General Secretary Block Congress Committee.
The visit was chaired by the Administrator of Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa. The Administrator Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa welcomed the team and presented the current scenario of the hospital towards COVID-19 care.
Praveen Chandra enquired if patients having symptoms need to go the government hospital first to avail treatment, to which the Administrator said that the Hospital welcomed everyone directly to the Hospital for treatment for any condition. People coming with fever will be examined in the fever clinic and after the history elicited only then if required will be tested for COVID-19 or else will be sent home with medications.
Ashraf queried if one needs to be worried if anyone who is tested positive (asymptomatic) and are in home isolation? Medical Superintendent FMMCH Dr Uday Kumar said that according to the recent government rules, the asymptomatic individuals who have tested positive, definite need only home isolation. If someone find difficulty in breathing, they need admission.
Administrator Fr Rudolph said that the charges of the Hospital which are 50% less than the stipulated government rates, e.g., for the COVID-19 General ward charged at Rs 4000/per day (GoK stipulated charges for general ward Rs 10000/per day). He categorically stated that the hospital has never refused anyone with no money. These situations are different and the expenses incurring due to the safety protocol needed to be considered as this a private hospital.
MLA U T Khader opined that people know of the charitable nature of Father Muller Medical College Hospital and its quality of care and therefore they come here for treatment. He asked if there was a need for any policy change that could benefit the public or any recommendation that the Hospital or doctors could provide for implementation by the government.
The team were appraised of the fact that the hospital charges are the least in the region and thus for any inquiry one can approach the reception for clarification. Ayushman Bharat cardholders who have their Adhaar card will be treated free of cost in the Hospital for COVID-19. Cash patients can choose any of the bed rates they prefer and get themselves treated.
Liaison Officer Dr Kelvin Peter Pais and David Sequeira, Patient Coordinating Officer, will be the point of contact for the team in case of any assistance for the team henceforth, which was suggested by the management.
The team was pleased with the fruitful and forthcoming discussions and vowed to help the public and hospital in these times of crisis. Ivan D’Souza reiterated his support to the public and the hospital, hoping thinks will improve, and the world will see better days of prosperity.
The management was represented by Administrator of the medical college Fr Ajith B Menezes, Asst Administrator of the hospital Fr Nelson Pais, Medical Superintendent Dr Uday Kumar and Liaison Officer Dr Kelvin Peter Pais.
