Mangaluru: Rally to create awareness regarding polio eradication held
World Polio Day
Mangaluru: To mark the World Polio Day, a 'Polio eradication Janajagruti Jatha' was held under the aegis of District Administration, Health and Family Welfare Department, National Polio Surveillance Unit, Nursing Institutes, and Rotary Organizations in the city on Wednesday.
The Jatha, which was started by Jyothi Circle in the city, concluded on the premises of the Deputy Commissioner's Office. Addressing the awareness rally, District Health Officer Dr. Ramakrishna Rao, said that polio cases are not present in our country. But in neighboring countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, yet polio has not come under control. In this context, it is important to take note of this in the country, "he said.
For polio eradication, the International Rotary Organisation has been working worldwide for over three decades. In India, it was possible to eradicate polio with the cooperation of the Departments of Health, Women and Child Welfare, he added.
More than 500 students from Rotary and Nursing College participated in the awareness Jatha. The participants displayed 'End Polio, End Polio Now' placards.
SMO Dr. Satishchandra, RCHO Ashok, Rotary Institute District Governor Rohinath, Dr. Murali Krishna of Polio Plus program, Krishna Shetty and others were present.
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Chikkamagaluru: A man allegedly impersonating an IAS officer managed to gain the confidence of officials and staff at the district hospital in Chikkamagaluru, attending meetings and public events before his identity came under suspicion.
According to a report by Deccan Herald, the accused, identified as Mithun, introduced himself as the Commissioner of the National Health Mission (NHM) and district in-charge for Chikkamagaluru. He also claimed to be a native of Chikkaballekere village in Kadur taluk.
Believing his claims, District Surgeon Dr Chandrashekar reportedly introduced Mithun to other officials. Photographs of Mithun attending meetings at the district hospital and being felicitated by religious leaders at a Basava Tatva Peetha programme have since circulated widely on social media.
Dr Chandrashekar said he had trusted Mithun based on his conduct and presentation. He said he initially believed that Mithun was an IAS officer from a rural background who had cleared the examination through hard work, and only later realised that he was allegedly an impostor.
The incident has also triggered allegations from the Lisa Foundation, which has sought action against Dr Chandrashekar. The organisation claimed that Mithun was introduced to medical shop owners through him and alleged that Mithun had promised a ₹1.80 crore contract for supplying medicines to Primary Health Centres in the district. The foundation has demanded suspension of the District Surgeon and a detailed inquiry.
Chikkamagaluru Medical College Dean Dr Ravi said Mithun was not known to him and had not conducted any official meetings. He said he had seen Mithun once in the District Surgeon’s room and was told that he was a probationary IAS officer, but had doubts about his identity.
Following the incident, BJP workers staged a protest in the city, accusing the administration of negligence and demanding action against the District Surgeon for introducing the alleged fake officer.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered at the Amruthahalli Police Station in Bengaluru based on a complaint filed by medical shop owner S G Satish. The complaint states that Mithun was introduced through Dr Chandrashekar and that ₹36 lakh was allegedly paid as a bribe in his presence, along with an additional ₹5 lakh transferred to Mithun’s bank account.
Dr Chandrashekar said he has appeared before the police to give his statement as his name figures in the complaint. He also claimed that Mithun had cheated him and said he would file a separate complaint with the Chikkamagaluru police.
