Saeed Haider

Saudi Gazette

 

ALKHOBAR — Government of the southern Indian state of Karnataka is concerned over the spread of coronavirus in the Gulf region and is keeping a close watch on the situation, according to Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader, who recently visited the Eastern Province along with state Forest Minister Ramanath Rai and former union aviation minister C.M. Ibrahim.



The officials were here to attend the annual get-together of Dakshina Kanada Sunni Center last week.



The mammoth annual get-together was marked with religious discourse, games, entertainment and various other cultural events and continued until the wee hours.



Ministers Khader and Rai lauded the Karnataka community for its positive role in the growth and development of the state.



Both the ministers also praised the efforts of the DKSC in taking up social issues and its efforts to uplift the down trodden.



The ministers were also accompanied by Mohammad Asif of Coast Digest, Imran Karkala, Mohammed Bilal, prominent Indian social activists and Hamid Ebrahim, Commercial Manager KLM airlines for Eastern Province and Bahrain.



Later, in an exclusive with Saudi Gazette, Khader spoke at length on the development plan of the new government, the upcoming elections and situation in Karnataka.



He firmly believed that his party Congress will bag maximum number of seats in his state.



“Corruption is of course an issue in Karnataka but it is the BJP which is standing in the docks,” he said.



He said the Congress was committed to provide a clean administration to the state and the present government has already proved its track record within first year of its governance.



He said that The Karnataka government was closely watching the Coronavirus menace in Saudi Arabia.



“We are not complacent but at the same time don’t want to push panic button. The World Health Organization (WHO) is the right body to issue advisory on  the disease and we are all prepared to implement WHO advisory."



He appealed to the Indian community not to get panicked and instead follow simple hygiene rules recommended by the Saudi Health Ministry. 



Speaking on the health schemes implemented by his ministry in the state, Khader said that the most effective program under his ministry was Universal Health Policy under which any poor patient could avail of treatment at any of the private hospitals within the state and a few in Hyderabad and Maharashtra.



“If specialized  treatment is not available in government hospital then patient can seek treatment at government’s expenses at any of the private hospitals,” he said. He added that a special desk has been created in his ministry for this purpose.



The minister said that in addition his ministry was issuing medical coverage for 7 million government employees and their dependents. Insurance cards have already been issued to them and they can seek treatment at any hospital of their choice.



He said his ministry was making an in-depth study of heath scheme of Kerala Government for the NRIs.



“WE are studying Kerala model and will soon implement special schemes for NRIs from Karnataka state.



Similarly, the government has prepared a plan to provide best possible health service to rural people.



For every 1,000 villagers there is one Asha worker who will monitor their health and give them proper advise.



Another unique feature of Khader’s ministry is free distribution of dentures to senior citizens (people of 65 years and above). “They have right to to taste and enjoy their smiles,” he concluded.