Minster for Health and Family Welfare U.T. Khader on Sunday said the parents of three-year old Mariam Kouser, who is undergoing treatment following complications after an operation at a government hospital in Bangalore, should approach Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for financial assistance.
Responding to Mariam’s father, Muddassir Pasha’s statement denying that the government wrote to him offering help, Mr. Khader said he and his wife should submit a representation about the problems they were facing to the Chief Minister.
It was the prerogative of the Chief Minister to grant compensation and extra benefits in such cases. The demand for proper treatment anywhere in India or abroad for the child had to be considered by the Chief Minister.
“I am ready to make a recommendation to the Chief Minister if a representation is made. I will also arrange for a meeting with the Chief Minister,” Mr. Khader said.
Contesting Mr. Pasha’s claim that he did not receive a letter, Mr. Khader said that a letter assuring grants under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund was issued from the Chief Minister’s office to Mariam’s parents 25 days ago.
Mr. Khader said it was following his letter that the Chief Minister agreed to sanction Rs. 2 lakh. “The Chief Minister’s office wanted original bills for the treatment availed at a private hospital after the complications to release the amount.” But, so far they had not responded. “These are facts that cannot be denied,” he said.
He claimed that his office contacted the parents thrice to hold a meeting with the Chief Minister on increasing the compensation. “They scolded officials and hung up,” he said.
Mr. Khader refuted Mr. Pasha’s statement that three representations had been submitted to him. “I received only one representation and I have taken action,” he said.
He added that as a Minister, he had taken action against the doctors who were found to be negligent while treating Mariam.
“I do not have powers to grant compensation or arrange for further treatment,” he added.
