Ambulance carrying 15-day-old infant gets green corridor from Mangaluru to Kochi
Kochi: An ambulance literally streaked across the road transporting a 15-day-old infant with a serious heart-related problem from a hospital in Mangaluru to a private one here in five-and-a-half hours Tuesday as authorities and people came together to create a green corridor on a 400 km stretch.
The child has been admitted to the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences here following intervention by the Kerala government, official sources said.
Initially, the relatives had decided to take the child directly to the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology in Thiruvananthapuram in the ambulance covering over 600 km in 12 hours.
However, State Health Minister K K Shailaja Teacher intervened and urged the relatives to take it to the Kochi hospital.
The minister, who spoke to doctors in Amrita Hospital, convinced the relatives that a long journey will be risky for the child who was in a serious condition.
The minister also offered free treatment for the child under the 'Hrudyam project' of the state government.
When the Ambulance started from Mangalore at around 11 am, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made an appeal to the people to ensure smooth journey for the vehicle.
Messages through various social media platforms also helped the authorities provide a hassle-free journey and the ambulance reached the hospital in five and a half hours covering the distance of 400 km.
The baby, diagnosed with a serious heart-related problem, was born to Sania and Mithah from Kasaragod 15 days ago, according to sources.
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
