‘U T Khader is a True Son of the Soil Serving the People’- Ex-MLA Abhaya Chandra Jain
Mangaluru: Addressing the media persons during a press meet held at Mangaluru Press Club, MLA and Former State Health Minister U T Khader said, “The Ayushman Bharat scheme which has been introduced by the government has failed miserably, by not benefiting those in need of medical care. People are clueless about this scheme, since no proper details have been given or circulated among the public. No one knows whether Ayushman Bharat Scheme covers only Covid-19 affected patients or even those with other ailments. There has been confusion and hassles while making use of the Ayushman Bharath scheme, since no proper guidelines have been given”.
Khader further said, “The change of nodal officer when there are problems regarding covid-19 and other sickness has resulted in creating a lot of inconveniences and hardships among the public and the government has turned a blind eye towards them. During such a situation I urge the government to set up a toll-free helpline number either at the Deputy Commissioner’s office or District-in-Charge minister’s office in regards to health care. While the government keeps track of the expenses regarding the scheme and the benefits obtained by the people under it, why can’t the government also keep track of the people affected by the scheme? “
” With the Government not having any clarity about the scheme, it has also led to way too much confusion among the people about the scheme. Apart from that constant change in nodal officers has even made the situation worse. Why did the government change nodal officers when it knew about the crucial stages going on. People are not sure whom to call or meet during emergency situations, therefore the government should set up a toll-free helpline number and make it convenient and helpful to the people regarding health care, thereby avoiding confusion. It was not a good idea to replace nodal officers with dental and Ayurvedic , who don’t suit for Covid-19 cases, when there are other experienced MSW graduates and officers who could handle such situations. No dental or ayurvedic doctors will work for Rs 15K to Rs 20K. Therefore, the government should look into the present condition, and do the needful soon, and not put people to suffer or face hardships” added U T Khader.
Also speaking Former MLA Abhaya Chandra Jain said, “There is no doubt when U T Khader was the health minister he had taken care of the health care issues of the people with dedication and hard work. What is the present health care minister doing, when people are facing all kinds of problems pertaining to their health conditions, including Covid-19. U T Khader was a true son of the soil in serving the needy people in time of their health conditions and distress. There are hospitals charging exorbitant fees apart from benefits available through Ayushman Bharat Scheme. This needs to be stopped, since I have noticed various such cases, and people have come to me for financial help. The state health care administration is not good because of which several hurdles had been created for implementation of government health schemes. Since the people have elected the District in-charge minister and health minister, it is their responsibility to serve them when they need help regarding their health”
