President, ’Endosulfan Virodhi Horata Samithi’questions false information

President, ’Endosulfan Virodhi Horata Samithi’questions false information

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, June 16, 2014: Sridhar Gowda, President, ’Endosulfan Virodhi Horata Samithi’ , said that in the past two years the health department’s figures given through RTI on victims of endosulfan poisoning has been incorrect. "They had once stated it was 1,907 and then it went up to 2,450. Now it is 2,300. Which is the correct figure?’’ he asked.

He also rubbished claims of the health department that smart cards and pension were distributed to all. "As per the survey conducted only 60%-70% have got smart cards and pension," Gowda stated warning the department not to furnish false information in the high court. He also said that smart cards were given to help victims get free treatment in private hospitals from March 1.

On June 10, the state government signed MoU with six medical colleges and a private hospital in the city to provide super-specialty treatment for suspected endosulfan victims in Dakshina Kannada district. The hospitas will charge the district administration as per prescribed reimbursement rates.

Gowda also informed the health department has ignored the pleas of several victims to include them in the beneficiary list. The department has not been transparent on the guidelines to determine whether a person has been a victim of endosulfan poisoning.

  Gowda raised a point about the number of deaths. He said according to the health department only five endosulfan victims have died in the district. "This is appalling since in Kokkada village alone 10 persons suffering from endosulfan poisoning have died,’’ the propriety of the entire survey conducted by the health department and information provided is questionable he reiterated.