Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister and MLA from the Virajpet Assembly constituency, A.S. Ponnanna, issued strict instructions to the Director of Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (Kodagu District Hospital) to give first priority to patient treatment and to decide on billing only after ascertaining whether the patient belongs to the BPL or APL category.
The instructions were given during his recent visit to the district hospital to enquire about the health of Pawan, a schoolboy from Gonikoppa who lost a finger in an accidental firecracker explosion and is currently recovering after treatment. It was reported that Pawan, who belongs to a poor Scheduled Caste family, was admitted to the hospital without documentation confirming his BPL or APL status.
In the absence of such documents, hospital authorities had categorised him as an APL cardholder and raised the bill accordingly.
Subsequently, the district president of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Organisation, Thennira Maina, brought to the notice of the MLA that Pawan’s school registration documents had been submitted.
Reacting to the matter, the MLA instructed doctors and hospital staff that in emergency situations, treatment should not be delayed due to the absence of documents or financial constraints, as such delays could lead to serious consequences. He directed the staff to exercise caution and sensitivity while handling such cases.
The MLA also appreciated the cleanliness of the hospital and advised doctors to ensure quality treatment for all needy patients.
During the MLA’s visit, Medical College Dean Dr. Lokesh Kumar, R.M. Dr. Abhinandan, along with leaders Thennira Maina, Apru Ravindra, Suraj Hosur, Prabhurai, P.L. Suresh, Hanif Sampaje, Vikash, and others, were present.
