Vijayendra slams Cong govt over alleged medicine shortage, irregularities in health dept
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Wednesday hit out at the Congress government over alleged medicine shortages, large-scale irregularities and disruption of services in the health department.
The situation had deteriorated to such an extent that doctors were forced to protest on the streets, he claimed.
Addressing a press conference here, he said the Siddaramaiah-led government lacked the will to resolve pressing public issues and accused it of indulging in "blame politics" instead of governance.
"Due to the irresponsibility of this Congress government, the health department itself is in the ICU. There is a severe shortage of medicines in government hospitals. The 108 ambulance services are facing severe problems. Doctors have been pushed to the streets to protest. The Congress government celebrates 1,000 days in power with achievement conventions, but it has failed to solve real problems," he said.
He criticised the state government for allegedly shutting down Jan Aushadhi centres located on government hospital premises, claiming that needy patients are suffering as they are not getting medicines.
"For the past two months, government doctors themselves have been advising poor patients to buy medicines from private pharmacies because medicines are unavailable in hospitals," he alleged.
Vijayendra further alleged that the state government has reportedly not cleared Rs 143 crore in dues to institutions providing CT scan and MRI services.
"As a result, needy patients in rural and urban areas are unable to access these services. Pregnant women are facing hardships. Doctors are forced to protest on the streets...This government claims to be one that delivers on its promises. But does it have even the slightest concern for how poor people are struggling in the healthcare sector," he alleged.
The BJP state president claimed that the Congress government under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and its deputy D K Shivakumar is not pro-poor; instead, it is a government that supports middlemen.
"Who is responsible for the medicine shortage in government hospitals and medical colleges? The state government and the concerned ministers are responsible. According to information available to me, under pressure from influential individuals, irregularities are taking place in medicine procurement. Instead of purchasing medicines through authorised central and state agencies, the government has moved to fragmented district- and taluk-level tenders," he claimed.
He further alleged that due to commission demands of 15-20 per cent, many companies and public enterprises are not participating in tenders, worsening the system.
Vijayendra claimed that the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation's procurement system has been sidelined, leading to an artificial shortage of medicines.
He also alleged that a private individual from Mangaluru is controlling the state's medicine procurement system, supplying medicines to most government hospitals.
"This has led to market prices being inflated. Medicines costing Rs 100 are reportedly being purchased for Rs 300. I will provide more documents and evidence in the coming days," he claimed.
He also alleged that staff associated with the 108 ambulance services have not been paid salaries for the past eight to nine months.
"The government must take responsibility and reform the system instead of protecting middlemen," he added.
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One week into Ramadan: What to eat at Sehri to stay strong and hydrated through the day
By now, most gym-goers and athletes have settled into the Ramadan routine. Iftar gets most of the attention. But in reality Sehri decides how your entire day will go.
If Sehri is rushed, oily or low on nutrients, the body feels weak by afternoon. Training intensity drops. Headaches and dehydration kick in. On the other hand, a planned Sehri keeps energy stable, reduces muscle breakdown and helps you reach Iftar without crashing.
For those who lift weights, train in MMA, play cricket or run regularly, this is what a strong Sehri should look like.
What your Sehri plate must include:
Sehri is not about eating the heaviest food possible. It is about eating smart slow energy, enough protein and proper hydration.
1. Oats with milk and nuts
Oats digest slowly. They release energy gradually and help control hunger. Add milk for protein and a few almonds or peanuts for healthy fats. This combination keeps you full for longer hours.
2. Whole wheat chapati with eggs
Two chapatis with omelette or boiled eggs give a balance of carbs and protein. Eggs protect muscle mass during long fasting hours. Avoid very oily preparations.
3. Rice kanji with curd
In many homes, kanji is common. It is light but hydrating. Adding curd improves digestion and adds protein. Keep salt moderate.
4. Peanut butter or chutney with whole grain bread
A simple sandwich works if you are short on time. Peanut butter gives healthy fats and some protein. It slows digestion and keeps hunger under control.
5. Banana or apple
A fruit adds fibre and natural sugars. Banana also gives potassium, which supports muscle function.
6. Soaked chia seeds in water or milk
Chia seeds absorb water and help in hydration. Even one spoon soaked overnight can support fluid balance.
7. Curd or Greek yogurt
Thicker curd or Greek yogurt has more protein. It also cools the body and supports gut health.
8. Grilled chicken in small portion
If you train intensely and want higher protein, a small portion of grilled chicken with chapati is a strong option. Avoid spicy, oily masala versions early morning.
9. Dal with chapati
Lentils provide plant protein and slow-digesting carbs. This is a steady energy meal.
10. Plenty of fluids
Water should not be an afterthought. Start drinking from the moment you wake up for Sehri. Sip steadily. You can also include buttermilk or tender coconut water.
Foods better avoided at Sehri
Certain foods feel filling but actually worsen dehydration or cause energy crashes.
1. Very salty pickles and packaged snacks
Salt increases thirst during the day.
2. Deep-fried parathas in excess
They sit heavy in the stomach and may cause acidity.
3. Sugary cereals
They spike blood sugar and cause early hunger.
4. Too much tea or coffee
Caffeine increases urine output and can worsen dehydration.
5. Spicy, oily leftovers from dinner
They disturb digestion and may cause discomfort during fasting hours.
6. White bread with jam alone
This is mostly sugar and refined carbs. Hunger returns quickly.
7. Soft drinks
They offer no real hydration benefit.
8. Heavy red meat dishes
They take longer to digest and may cause lethargy.
9. Excess sweets
They add calories without sustained energy.
10. Skipping protein entirely
A carb-only Sehri increases muscle breakdown during long fasting hours.
Hydration strategy for the day
Hydration does not begin at Sehri. It begins the previous evening. From Iftar to Sehri, spread your water intake evenly. Do not drink everything in the last ten minutes before Fajr.
For athletes and MMA trainees who sweat heavily, hydration is even more critical. Include:
* Water in small, steady amounts
* Tender coconut water for electrolytes
* Buttermilk for fluid and gut comfort
* Fruits with high water content like watermelon at night
Avoid going to sleep severely dehydrated. Check urine colour before bed and at Sehri. Pale yellow usually indicates better hydration.
Training timing also matters. Intense workouts are better planned after Iftar. If you must train before Iftar, keep intensity moderate and avoid long, draining sessions.
Sleep should not be ignored. Muscle recovery depends on rest. Even if total hours are less during Ramadan, try to maintain quality sleep.
In simple words, Sehri is your fuel tank for the entire day. A balanced plate, controlled salt, enough protein and proper hydration can help gym-goers and athletes stay steady through fasting hours without compromising performance goals.
Ramadan is about discipline. With the right planning, that same discipline can reflect in fitness too.
