Cong asks govt to bear COVID expenses

Mangaluru, July 16: KPCC spokesperson PV Mohan has demanded the government to bear the expenses of all the COVID patients. 

“The government has about ₹ 5000 crore in various disaster funds. It should provide free treatment for every COVID patient and bear the expenses of the patients who undergo treatments in private hospitals as well as at COVID Care Centers set up in hotels. The government should bring out proper guidelines,” he said

Mohan held weak leadership of BJP responsible for the situation in Dakshina Kannada district.

“The short-term lockdown declared by the district administration is of no use and cannot help control COVID. It is just an effort to coverup the failure of the government. COVID has already spread in the community and the serious in the district,” he said.

“When COVID cases reported in Bantwal about two months ago, Congress had demanded the government to immediately identify the source of the virus. It was the responsibility of the district administration to break the chain in the initial stage. But instead of finding the source and controlling the situation, BJP tried to divert the attention of the people by alleging that Congress was not cooperating in the fight against COVID,” he said.

Mohan also questioned the result of the probe which the district in-charge minister and MP had declared to find the source of COVID.

“Even after two months, the investigation has not been completed. Similarly, the administration has failed to find the source of the virus in Ekkur village too. The government should have given importance in these two cases,” he said adding that the district is facing a serious situation where even those without travel history are testing positive. 

PV Mohan opined that the government should stress on testing, identification of the source and providing basic facilities during the lockdown

“COVID is a national disaster. The government has the responsibility to provide treatment and save the lives of the people. There are crores of rupees in PM CARES, CM Relief funds. About 4000 crore is available with SDRMA. Kerala is using 35% of the fund for treatment. Tamil Nadu too is doing the same,” he said.