Super-specialty hospital for Karwar is government’s responsibility: D.K. Shivakumar
Karwar: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday said that setting up a super-specialty hospital in Karwar was the state government’s responsibility, responding to a long-pending demand of the people of the region.
Speaking at the Karavali Utsava held at Ravindranath Tagore Beach in Karwar on Sunday night, Shivakumar said local MLA Satish Sail had repeatedly pointed out that residents were forced to travel to Goa, Udupi, or Mangaluru for advanced medical treatment. “We are with you, and we will work to ensure the people here get quality healthcare,” he said.
He said the people of Uttara Kannada had strengthened the government by electing five MLAs and that the government had delivered on its promises, including the implementation of five guarantees. “Your support has strengthened our hands, and we have stood by the commitments we made,” he said.
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The Deputy Chief Minister also announced that the government would frame a separate tourism policy for the coastal region to generate employment and curb youth migration. “Our aim is to create jobs at people’s doorsteps. A meeting in this regard will be held in Mangaluru on January 10,” he said.
Describing Uttara Kannada as a unique region, Shivakumar highlighted its Western Ghats, coastline, rich culture, literature, languages, traditions, and environment. He said the sea symbolised strength, livelihood for fisherfolk, and a major attraction for tourists.
Referring to the Karavali Utsava, he said the festival had not been held for the past seven years and that MLA Satish Sail and district in-charge minister Mankal S. Vaidya had insisted on reviving it this year. He credited the organisers for creating opportunities for local artists and others through the event.
Shivakumar said that while programmes often attract criticism, meaningful work endures. “Criticism fades, but work remains,” he said, adding that he had come to Karwar to stand with the people. He urged voters to strengthen the government further by electing more legislators in the future.
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UP: Petrol pump manager booked for denying fuel to ambulance; causing man's death
Ballia (UP) (PTI): Police on Saturday registered a case against a petrol pump manager in connection with the death of a 50-year-old man who allegedly could not be taken to hospital in time after a private ambulance was denied fuel.
The case has been filed against Ashok Kumar Bharti, manager of M/s Bhushan Service Station in Tengrahi village, under sections of the Essential Commodities Act, officials said.
According to police, the FIR was lodged following a complaint by Supply Inspector Indresh Kumar Tiwari. During the inquiry, the manager admitted that an ambulance had arrived at the petrol pump around 9.20 pm on April 22 seeking fuel, stating that it had run out of petrol. However, fuel was not provided, citing non-availability, officials said.
The ambulance allegedly remained stationed at the pump for about 15 minutes. However, records showed that the petrol pump had sufficient stock on that day, including 4,595 litres of motor spirit, 4,784 litres of high-speed diesel and 3,475 litres of premium petrol, indicating that fuel was available but not supplied, the FIR said.
District Magistrate Mangla Prasad Singh said an inquiry was conducted under the supervision of the Additional District Magistrate by a team comprising the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Bairia and the District Supply Officer. Based on the findings, directions were issued to register a case.
Circle Officer (Bairia) Mohammad Fahim Qureshi said police have launched a probe and are searching for the accused manager.
Earlier, District Supply Officer Devmani Mishra had said that Chhatthu Sharma (50), a resident of Pandeypur village in Bairia tehsil, fell critically ill on the night of April 22. His family was taking him to the district hospital in a private ambulance when it ran out of fuel on the way.
The family approached a petrol pump near Tengrahi village for fuel, but the operator allegedly refused, citing a shortage. The family claimed that Sharma died on the way as he could not be taken to the hospital in time due to a lack of petrol.
The district magistrate said that CCTV footage confirmed that the ambulance had reached the petrol pump and sought fuel, which was not provided. He added that the pump operator cited low stock, but inspection revealed sufficient stock of petrol and diesel at the outlet.
Officials said that representatives of Indian Oil have also visited the site, and further action against the petrol pump will be recommended based on the findings.
