Refrain from banners, crackers during my swearing-in; save environment: HDK

Bengaluru, Jun 23: In an attempt to avoid exploitation of patients affected with coronavirus, the Karnataka government on Tuesday announced fixing charges that could be collected from patients by the private hospitals for treatment in the State.

There are now two sets of rates for patients--those who are referred by public health facilities and those who approach private hospitals directly.

According to the notification issued by State Chief Secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar on Tuesday, 50 per cent of the total beds in private hospitals having facilities to treat Covid-19 patients shall be reserved for the treatment of patients referred by public health authorities.

This will include the high-dependency unit and ICU (intensive care unit) beds both with and without ventilators. The hospitals may utilise the remaining Covid beds for admitting Covid-19 patients privately.

Mangaluru, Mar 26: The district Wenlock hospital in

the city will be turned into a dedicated hospital for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, Dakshina Kannada district-in- charge Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary said on Thursday.

Addressing reporters here, he said the 250-bed super speciality wing at Wenlock would be converted to a dedicated hospital to treat coronavirus patients in view of the prevailing situation.

The 20-bed Ayush block will be used for the treatment of suspected cases.

The patients currently being treated for various other ailments at the hospital will be shifted to private hospitals within three days.

The expenses for their treatment will be borne by the government, he said.

The 705 beds available at the hospital wards will be used for coronavirus cases in a phased manner.

The patients visiting the outpatient ward will be directed to go to nearby medical colleges for treatment, he said.

A total of 140 children being treated at the regional advanced paediatric care centre at the hospital will be shifted to nearby medical college hospitals.

The centre will also be used for covid-19 treatment.

Poojary said at present five COVID-19 patients and 140 suspected cases are being treated at the Wenlock hospital.

Mangalore, Mar 11: There everybody busy in hailing ‘Padmashree’ Harekala Hajabba. They wondered how an orange seller turned into an educationist with his grit and high objectives. However, the center of attraction- Harekala Hajabba was thinking how to transfer a cheque of rupees one lakh to a current account of his school!

Dakshina Kannada District Kannada and Culture Department had an interaction program with Harekala Hajabba at Ravindra Kalabhavana of University College Mangaluru on Wednesday. The department, as well as Dakshina Kannada District Bus Owners’ Association felicitated the achiever. They also honored Hajabba with a cash of rupees one lakh. Instantly, the man decided to utilize the amount for his school! 

In his address, Guruvappa N T Balepuni, who introduced Harekala Hajabba to society opined that with his simplicity, humbleness, moreover his service without any expectation, Hajabba is being respected everywhere. Though he is an illiterate, three universities have made his life as lessons for students. “He has kept around Rs 50-55 lakh, including his award money for the development of school. January 25, the day on which ‘Padmashree’ award has been declared to Hajabba is a memorable day for me too,” he added. 

Dakshina Kannada District Bus Owners’ Association President Dinram Alva and former president Jayaram Shekha opined that there is lot to learn from Hajabba and he is a model for the society. Recalling his old- harsher days, Hajabba said, “Parents should make mind to save government schools. A literate can achieve anything, he can lead the society,” he said and called upon for the communal harmony. 

Presiding over the function, Principal Dr. Uday Kumar M A said that Harekala Hajabba is best example how a pure-hearted man achieves any height, simplicity can make someone so rich. In his welcome speech District Kannada and Culture Department Deputy director Rajesh G, depicted Hajabba as ‘modern time Mahatma Gandhi’. Economics PG Coordinator Dr. Jayavantha Nayak and M.Com Coordinator Dr. Abobakkar Siddiq were present on the occasion.