Panel to probe lapses in measures against KFD

Health Minister Shivananda Patil stated that the government would set up an inquiry committee to find out whether KFD field station officials have failed to take precautionary measures in time to control the spread of the disease in villages of Aralagodu gram panchayat limits in Sagar taluk or not.

Speaking to media persons, after visiting KFD-hit villages here on Sunday, he also made it clear that the government would initiate action against the errant officials without any second thought. He stressed the need for co-ordination among the officials of various departments.

The proposed inquiry panel will comprise retired director of medical college, retired IAS officer and judicial officer. The panel will be asked to review the service rendered by doctors in District McGann hospital while treating KFD-hit patients.

At present, five patients are undergoing treatment in Manipal and seven in Sagar. Their condition is stable.

He also said the government will leave no stone unturned to find out permanent solution to the KFD, which has surfaced in the Sharavathi valley after a gap of many years.

He also promised that he would urge Chief Minister, H D Kumaraswamy, to provide compensation to the family members of the deceased patients. He has given Rs 1 lakh from his pocket to the family members of each of the deceased. The
government would bear medical expenses of the patients who are undergoing treatment in general and private hospitals.

He said till now, blood samples were being sent to laboratories in Bengaluru and Pune. It is delaying the treatment process. So, the laboratory would start functioning in Shivamogga from January 7.