Hospital staff in Puttur protest against bribery allegations for post-mortem services
Puttur: Outsourced staff members of a government hospital in Puttur staged a protest on Saturday in response to allegations made by a social organization claiming that post-mortems were being conducted only after bribes were paid. The staff vehemently denied these allegations and clarified that they were merely accepting the allowances provided to them.
Expressing their outrage, the outsourced staff members, who assist the hospital staff with post-mortems, protested against the baseless accusations made by the Kaliyuga Seva Samiti of Chikkamudnur. They highlighted the lack of evidence and emphasized that they had been falsely accused of bribery. As a result, the staff refused to cooperate with the post-mortem examinations of two bodies at the hospital.
Two deceased individuals, Sharath Joshi (22) from Bellare, who passed away due to a heart attack, and Rajan (51) from Kollam in Kerala, who resided in Nattibail, Uppinangady, and worked as a cement ring maker, were brought to the hospital mortuary. The families of the deceased however, faced difficulties as the protesting staff members outside the hospital refused to cooperate with the post-mortem examinations.
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Puttur Taluk Health Officer Dr. Deepak Rai and hospital doctor Dr. Yaduraj engaged in discussions with the protesting staff in an effort to resolve the issue. The doctors appealed to the staff to cooperate with the ongoing post-mortem examinations of the two bodies. Subsequently, the staff members opened the mortuary door and proceeded with the post-mortem examinations.
Dr. Deepak Rai, the Taluk Health Officer, spoke to Vartha Bharathi, stating, "Only government employees have the authority to conduct post-mortems. Outsourcing is not practiced by our employees. We work tirelessly for meager salaries, driven by our commitment to serving humanity. It is true that we receive what is offered to us, but we do not ask for bribes. Nevertheless, baseless allegations have been leveled against us, prompting our protest and refusal to perform the post-mortems."
Dr. Rai expressed concern over the situation, highlighting the inadequate number of government employees available to conduct post-mortems. Out of the 34 posts in the B group, only two are filled, with three staff members working on an outsourced basis alongside the doctors for post-mortem examinations, and three staff members serving as assistants. Their remuneration is significantly low, and they often have to work during nighttime hours. Despite these challenges, the staff members have been dedicated to their work, contributing to the esteemed reputation of Puttur hospital in the district, he said.
Dr. Rai demanded that the accusers clarify who is allegedly receiving bribes and urged them to withdraw their unfounded allegations. He emphasized that the reputation of the hospital had been tarnished due to these accusations against doctors and staff members.
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Cabinet reshuffle is CM's prerogative in consultation with Cong high command: G Parameshwara
Bengaluru(PTI): Amid speculation that a cabinet reshuffle was on the cards, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday said it is the prerogative of the Chief Minister and he would take a decision in consultation with the state Congress President and the high command.
Deputy CM and state Congress chief D K Shivakumar's statement on Tuesday indicating the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle in the days ahead, noting that few Ministers have been given a "message" about their term, has further fueled the speculations about the rejig.
"I don't know about it. Cabinet reshuffle is the Chief Minister's prerogative. He will consult the Pradesh Congress Committee President and go about it, this has been the practice. I don't know what decisions they make. It has to be done in consultation with the high command," Parameshwara told reporters.
To a question on Shivakumar's statement, he said, "He (Shivakumar) is the party state President, I don't know what messages he has sent (to some Ministers)."
Speculations are rife about a cabinet reshuffle and evaluation of the performance of the Ministers ever since the Lok Sabha poll results. There has also been demand from a section of MLAs, who are Ministerial aspirants, to be inducted into the cabinet. Some have openly expressed their wish to become Ministers.
To a question on a seer's comments that the voting rights of Muslims should be revoked, the Home Minister said, making remarks contrary to the Constitution is not right, and no one should speak or go against it.
"Probably he (seer) has not properly seen the principles of the Constitution and the rights and opportunities provided in it for every community and religion. It is clear in the Constitution," he said.
Asked about Congress MLA H R Gaviyappa publicly asking the CM to drop at least two of the five ‘guarantee’ schemes to provide money for development works, the state Home Minister said, "Any legislator asking for funds to his constituency is not wrong, so Gaviyappa is not wrong in asking for funds for his constituency."
"But unfortunately he has expressed his personal opinion regarding the guarantee schemes. That has been taken by the party and the government. We had promised the people of the state that we will full the promises, so we are implementing them. We cannot go back on that," he added.
Deputy CM Shivakumar had on Tuesday said he would issue a showcause notice to Gaviyappa and warned party leaders against making such statements regarding guarantee schemes.
Responding to a question on an Assamese girl found murdered at a serviced apartment in east Bengaluru, Parameshwra said such incidents in a way bring bad name to the city.
"It (alleged murder) is on very personal grounds. Both of them (suspect and victim) knew each other and were in love. They had stayed in a hotel room and he has stabbed her there. Both of them are outsiders. She is from Assam and he is from Kerala. Police keep watch on such things, but when such incidents occur, it in a way brings a bad name to the city," he said.
Asked about the suicide of a woman, who is a suspect in the alleged scam in Karnataka Bhovi Development Corporation, the Minister said investigation is on, can't say anything further until the probe is over.
On the protest by prisoners against the jail authorities at Kalaburagi central prison, alleging lack of facilities there, Parameshwara said he will speak to DG (Director General) Prisons about it.
"Already we have reviewed all the jails. If there are any necessities there it will be fulfilled. I will give instructions to the DG," he said.
