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Mangaluru, Aug 7: A woman suffered critical injuries after a speeding car knocked down her scooter and then ran over her at Kadri Kambla Junction in the city today.

The woman identified as Vanishri Bhat (22) a resident of Kedila from Puttur. 

A CCTV footage of the accident, which went viral on social media, shows the car hitting the scooter, pushing the woman on road for a couple of meters before climbing over her.

The car stopped when she was under it. A few people including a policeman lifted the car from the front and rescued the woman. 

She was immediately taken to a private hospital in Mangaluru City MLA U T Khader’s car which was passing through that way. 

She has suffered critical injuries on her head, ribs, hands and legs, sources said. She is reportedly responding to treatment. 

It may be recalled that in December last year a lorry-auto accident at the same spot claimed life of a 56-year-old teacher while the auto driver miraculously survived. Following the accident, speed breakers were installed at the junction.

Bengaluru, Aug 6: No private hospital in Karnataka can turn away a patient without attending to him or her, irrespective of the Coronavirus status, an official has said.

"Private medical establishments shall not deny treatment and admission to any patient approaching the establishment irrespective of the fact that such patient may or may not be suffering from Covid-19," an official from the state Health and Family Welfare Department said on Wednesday.

Likewise, no private hospital can insist on a patient for a Covid-19 test report, said the official invoking the Disaster Management Act.

"The establishments also cannot insist for Covid test report," he said, directing all private hospitals to strictly abide by their responsibilities.

According to the department, it is the duty of every private hospital to provide first aid and take lifesaving steps when any patient approaches it.

"It is the duty of every private medical establishment to provide first aid and take lifesaving measures to stabilise the patient," he said.

The department also invoked statutes from Karnataka Medical Establishments Act 2017, under sections 11 and 11 (A) to drive home the message.

The directives assume significance at a time when several cases of private hospitals denying admissions and fleecing patients across the state have emerged.

"It has been noticed that some of the private hospitals are refusing treatment and admission to emergency patients, causing distress and this has resulted in complications, leading to death in certain cases," said the official.

The district authorities have been directed to take action on the erring hospitals as the department reiterated the responsibilities of private medical establishments.