Bengaluru, Dec 7 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi accused the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government of showing complete insensitivity to the alarming number of maternal fatalities reported from Ballari district.
During a media briefing on Saturday at the BJP state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru, Pralhad Joshi voiced his distress regarding the maternal deaths and the rising mortality rate among newborns.
He asserted that the government was distributing substandard medications due to corruption, thus jeopardizing the lives of citizens.
The Union Minister further lambasted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging that in an effort to shield himself from scandals linked to MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority), Valmiki Tribal Welfare, and the Excise Department, he has entirely neglected governance and is resorting to trivial statements.
Pralhad Joshi emphasized that healthcare is a vital area for the state government. He also condemned the Congress-led government for frequently blaming the Central government for its challenges.
In response to another inquiry, Pralhad Joshi stated that state Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao shows a lack of sensitivity and appears to be content with acting as a sycophant to CM Siddaramaiah.
"If Minister Gundu Rao possessed any moral integrity, he would have resigned immediately," he remarked.
Pralhad Joshi described the situation as nothing more than the antics of a drama company.
He also noted that the in-charge minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil had not visited Ballari.
The issue of maternal fatalities in government hospitals in Ballari district resurfaced with the recent death of Sumaya, the latest victim, who was admitted to VIMS in Ballari on November 10.
After undergoing cesarean surgery on November 12, she received IV fluids which led to kidney complications, ultimately resulting in multiple organ failure. Despite being on dialysis, she passed away on December 5.
Prior to Sumaya's case, Rojamma, Nandini, Muskaan, Mahalaxmi, and Lalitamma also succumbed to post-delivery complications in Ballari district.
These tragic events have sparked widespread concern and outrage throughout the state.
