Krishnaraja (KR) MLA S.A. Ramdas has been on the hot seat following surge in Corona positive cases in city. Being tested positive for the deadly virus, the MLA underwent home isolation for some days and got back into action again. Talking to Star of Mysore, he shared his experiences in handling this pandemic in his Constituency.

By S.B. Devaraj

SOM: How has been the COVID management in your Constituency?

Ramdas: Our party workers are on streets and helping people since the first wave hit the society and continue their service even now as the second wave has put people into severe hardship. Be it a Block President or party worker, every one is working efficiently. Forty ASHA workers and 20 NHM workers are visiting every house to instil confidence. If any positive case is reported, such person is contacted immediately to boost his/her morale. Even primary contacts are subjected to testing.

SOM: What are the special arrangements for immediate helping of positive patients?

Ramdas: Ambulances are available during day time easily but not during night. Three patients faced severe problems during night as they were sent back by hospitals despite being allotted bed in hospitals. One patient was sent to Nanjangud due to non-availability of bed in city. In the wake of this, two ambulances are stationed at my office to provide free service during night. In case of more help, I will intervene and sort it out. Distribution of medicine kit is going on in my Constituency.

SOM: How are Ward Task Forces functioning in your Constituency?

Ramdas: All of them are working fine and the Corporators of other parties are also extending full co-operation. There is a perfect co-ordination among officers and elected representatives.

SOM: What about attention on non-COVID patients? How are they being looked after?

Ramdas: Our team is helping aged and home alone men/ women suffering from non-COVID ailments. Medicines are delivered to their doorsteps. Spectacles have been provided to over 200 persons who had vision problems apart from issuing letters to the needy for free surgery. People suffering from breathlessness for long time are arranged treatment in different hospitals. Ambulances are arranged for taking dialysis required citizens and dropping back home.

SOM: Any special arrangements for care on home isolated patients?

Ramdas: Our eight volunteers call home isolated patients daily to enquire their health. Besides, they instil confidence among them. In case of any health complication, they will be shifted to hospital for treatment.

SOM: What about your concern for poor and daily wage workers?

Ramdas: Medicines and food kits have been distributed to the needy besides providing other required service. Pension has been restored, thanks to help from Tahsildhar. Similarly, other pensions too have been sanctioned. Some of them have got facilities from Labour Department.

SOM: There is lack of coordination among officers and elected representatives? Your take.

Ramdas: We need to work in tandem without giving scope for any confusion. I have written letters to Chief Minister (CM), District Minister and the DC regarding shortfalls in medical facilities and the same have been sorted out. The other side of Step-Down Hospital came to fore after my visit. Every evening, details on bed, ambulances and other facilities are shared. I can proudly say that everything is arranged in my Constituency for everyone’s satisfaction.