Will undertake measures to prevent Black Fungus: Karnataka Health Minister
Hubli: Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education, Dr. K. Sudhakar said that measures to prevent the spread of Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) would be undertaken following the reports of the experts.
After visiting the KIMS Hospital at Hubli, the Minister addressed the media representatives.
“The Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) disease is increasingly spreading across the State. To understand the reason behind this a committee of Mycologists has been appointed by the government. The committee of experts has submitted the primary report. The humidifiers being used in the hospitals are supposed to use distilled water, instead of in various places tap water is being used. The fungus begins growing because of this. It has been observed that fungal growth has been found in the Cannula, medical equipment used in the I.C.U of hospitals. Before using this medical equipment from one patient to the next, they must be sanitized thoroughly. Otherwise, brand new fixtures must be used for patients, the committee of experts recommended.
Except for the element of colour, there is no other difference between the black fungus or the white fungus. Indiscriminate use of steroids increases the sugar levels in the body. As the patients in the I.C.U depend on the aided breathing for a long duration, their body’s immunity reduces considerably. Therefore the fungal disease infects them to a degree of severity. The country had begun to see reports of 40 to 50 cases of Black Fungus infections earlier. But recently, many states across the country are reporting an increase in the number of these fungal infections. According to current reports, there are 250 cases of black fungus infection in the state. All of the patients infected by this disease will be receiving free treatment. The country is producing 14,000 vials of the medicine required in the treatment of the black fungus disease. The Centre’s Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Sadananda Gowda has assured that the required quantity of these vials of medicine will be provided to the state. Answering the questions of the media representatives, the Minister said that all the Medical, Semi-medical, and group D workers would receive Emergency case allowances, he informed.
In this regard, he inquired whether the COVID treatment methodology, arrangements that have been undertaken in the facility are in line with the government’s directive in the KIMS hospital. He informed the KIMS Head to appropriately maintain the roster of doctors and medical staff serving in the facility. Afterward, he conducted a meeting with the KIMS Medical officers.
MLA Aravind Bellad, DC Nithesh Paatil, KIMS Director Ramalingappa Antarataani, Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr. B . Susheela, KIMS Administrative Officer Rajashri Jainapuru, Medical Superintendent Dr. Arunakumar were present among others.
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
