Sridhar Gowda, leader of Endo Virodhi Horata Samiti, fighting for the cause of endosulfan victims, has alleged delay by the State government in arranging cashless treatment for victims from Belthangady and Puttur taluks that were closer to their localities. Talking to reporters here on Wednesday, Mr. Gowda said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the government and seven private hospitals in Mangalore will not help endosulfan victims.
He said most of the 2,400-odd endosulfan victims were from Belthangady and Puttur. The arrangement made by the government would only cater to victims in Mangalore taluk, who are few in number.
Questioning some of the clauses in the MoU, Mr. Gowda said the victims have been forced to take treatment in the private hospitals as suggested by the primary health centre. “The government doctor will be suggesting the line of treatment based on the investigations he/she has done with the available equipment,” he said.
Mr. Gowda said nearly 40 per cent of the 2,400 identified endosulfan victims are yet to get smart cards and monthly pension ranging between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 3,000. Endosulfan victims are not getting medicines that have been prescribed.
“We are living with a lot of pain. We will be putting this before the Karnataka High Court,” he said. Mr. Gowda said the problems faced by the victims have been brought to the notice of District Level Implementation and Executive Committees.
District Health Officer H.S. Shivakumar said the doctor at primary health centre would refer victims to private hospital only if services and facilities required are not available at the Government hospital. “The PHC does not prescribe the line of treatment. It is left to the doctor at the private hospital. We will bear transport and food charges,” he said.
Dr. Shivakumar said the government has entered into agreement with private hospitals as they have super speciality services needed for the endosulfan victims.
