Mysore/Mysuru: Dismissing allegations of releasing fudged up COVID-19 figures, Medical Education Minister Dr. K. Sudhakar clarified that the daily media bulletin being released by State Government was accurate and transparent.
He was speaking at a function organised in connection with donation of Rs. 51 lakh worth COVID-19 materials and medical equipment to JSS Hospital by Tata Education and Development Trust through 371A Lions Service Foundation at Suttur Mutt here on Monday.
The Minister said in the initial days of COVID-19 the State did not have a single laboratory and now they have 147 labs where over a lakh people were being tested. The Corona positive cases may be more in Karnataka but the death rate here was 1.5 per cent to 1.6 per cent which was very much less when compared to the world’s average of 3.5 per cent to 3.6 per cent. Doctors and researchers around the globe were making honest efforts to find out a vaccine for COVID-19, he added.
Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has talked about supplying the vaccine to 25 million people. Though the vaccination was expected to be available by January next year, logistic is being worked out in reaching to the less immunity people to inoculate them. Priority will be given to people above 65 years of age, children below 10 years and those with lack of immunity, Dr. Sudhakar said.
Dasara-2020
He promised to hold talks with CM B.S. Yediyurappa regarding celebrating Dasara-2020 in simple manner. Suggestions given by medical and health experts will also be shared with the CM. Situation has called for awareness on COVID-19. The State Government is planning to request the Suttur Seer to give a message to the public on preventive steps. Need of the hour was to take up a drive against COVID-19 on the lines of the campaign against ‘open defecation’, the Minister said.
Batting for compulsory wearing of face masks, the Minister said it will give protection up to 90 per cent if people wear it especially in public and crowded places. Decision to impose Rs.1,000 fine in urban areas and Rs.500 in rural areas for not wearing masks, was not to harass them but to make them understand the importance of protecting themselves.
Equipment donated
On the occasion, Past District Governor (PDG) of Lions Clubs and Commanding Officer of Civil Defence, Government of Karnataka, Ln. Dr. P.R.S. Chetan handed over the medical equipment to Suttur Seer and Dr. Sudhakar.
Dr. Chetan said in the wake of pandemic, Tata Education and Development Trust decided to donate the materials to JSS Hospital. Today, the entire world is watching India in handling the pandemic. The countries with a population of around 20 crore to 30 crore were finding it difficult to manage the situation. Whereas India with 135 crore population had kept the Corona under check, thanks to number of tests. In Karnataka, 5.31 lakh patients have recovered as against six lakh Corona positive patients and death rate was less than 2 per cent. The Trust is planning to donate ventilators in the coming days, he added.
Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji graced the event. PDG Ln. M.N.Jayprakash, Multiple Council Chairman and DLSF Chairman Ln. Dr. Nagaraj V. Bairy, 2nd Vice District Governor Dr. Sreevidya, District Chairman of DG Vision Projects Ln. Dr. G. Mohan, DLSF Secretary Ln. C.B. Srishaila, JSS Mahavidyapeetha Executive Secretary Dr. C.G. Betsurmath, JSS AHER Pro-Chancellor Dr.B.Suresh and others were present.
There are thirteen (13) people in the picture and the article is about COVID.. Only about 60% of the people are wearing a mask (Critical to keep the airbone virus from spreading and increasing infection along with the washing of hands before touching eyes, nose or mouth).
WHY are they allowing about 40% (5 people) to be part of the group when there appears to be no more than a couple of feet from their neighbours? No amount of money collected/donated or doctors/nurses/hospital staff/emergency vehicle drivers can help us if we refuse to wear a mask over our nose and mouth when outside of the home.
PLEASE ask/instruct/enforce these selfish/reckless/ignorant/law breaking people to NOT participate in efforts that otherwise is working to contain and eventually eradicate the virus.
“Dr. Chetan said in the wake of pandemic, Tata Education and Development Trust decided to donate the materials to JSS Hospital. Today, the entire world is watching India in handling the pandemic. The countries with a population of around 20 crore to 30 crore were finding it difficult to manage the situation. Whereas India with 135 crore population had kept the Corona under check, thanks to number of tests”
Looking at the photo and the number of persons who are wearing the masks, this Dr Chetan guy talks BS. He should be ashamed as India has the singular reputation of clocking second highest number of Corona Virus cases, despite not many foreign visitors. The highest number of cases in the US on the contrary are because of the thousands of visitors who visited that country unlike the third world dump India.
“Batting for compulsory wearing of face masks, the Minister said it will give protection up to 90 per cent if people wear it ”
Yet in that photograph, 3 are not wearing! The minister should be ashamed being so stupid that in his preaching presence, there are people there who have no masks!