Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Credit: DH File Photo
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken cognisance of the increased number of deaths due to heart attacks in Hassan district.
Taking to X on Tuesday, the Chief Minister expressed concern over "more than twenty deaths in the past month in just one district" and also pointed out that "it cannot be denied that the hasty approval and distribution of the Covid vaccine to the public could also be a reason for these deaths."
This comes a day after state Health Minister Dinesh Gundo Rao ordered an inquiry into the matter. An expert committee led by Dr. Ravindranath of Jayadeva Institute has been constituted to look into the reasons behind such multiple cases of heart attacks. The committee has been instructed to submit a report within 10 days.
The same committee, in February this year, was asked to study the reasons behind sudden deaths among young people in the state, and if Covid vaccines could have any adverse effects.
In his post, Siddaramaiah stated that government is resolute to identify and resolve the underlying problem.
"Orders were given to this same committee back in February to conduct a thorough study on the reasons behind sudden deaths among young people in the state, and whether the Covid vaccines could have any adverse effects. In this regard, the process of examining and analyzing heart patients is also underway," he wrote.
The CM also condemned "politicisation" of the the matter by BJP. "It cannot be denied that the hasty approval and distribution of the Covid vaccine to the public could also be a reason for these deaths, as several studies worldwide have recently indicated that Covid vaccines could be a cause for the increasing number of heart attacks. Before BJP criticize us on this matter, they should ask their conscience," he added.
Speaking on the issue on Monday, health minister had said that the CM has written to the Chief Secretary directing an inquiry into the rise in heart attack cases post-covid. "This is not just a problem of Karnataka; there is a need for global-level research on this matter,” he opined.