Bengaluru: Shortage of funds is one of the grave issues faced by the health care sectors especially HIV/ AIDS prevention programmes. As a result many who were appointed by the state/ central government agencies across the state under various projects are now unpaid over the months together. Upset by this delay, a technician working with a state government agency has now sought permission for Euthanasia on Monday, February 13.
It all started on Saturday, when Mr. Prashanth K R, an employee of Integrated Counseling & Testing Centre (ICTC) working at Banavasi Primary Health Center in Sirsi taluk tagged a letter requesting permission for Euthanasia on Monday in Bengaluru, infront of office of Project Director, Karnataka Aids Prevention Society (KAPS), Bengaluru. He had posted this on the Facebook wall of Shalini Rajneesh, Principal Secretary to Government Health & Family Welfare Department. Reason he has attributed for euthanasia is non payment of his salary and arrears. Hi FB post starts with ‘Amma, Dayavittu Kshamisi’ (Ma’am, please pardon me).
According to Mr. Prashanth, he didn’t receive salary over the last 10 months. “I have sent several letters. Except releasing the arrears of six months, no action has been initiated on releasing my salary,” he alleged.
Interestingly Mr. Prashanth has tagged the same letter on the Facebook wall of many prominent activists, ministers and government officials seeking their help. According to the letter he has forwarded the letter seeking permission for euthanasia even to Chief Minister.
Grave problem:
According to the counselors and technicians working at various HIV/AIDS projects launched by KAPS and other government agencies, issues raised by Mr. Prashanth is genuine. “Our postings have not been regularised even after several years of service. Now central, state governments as well as international agencies have cut the HIV/AIDS funding following the findings that spread of HIV/AIDS has come down,” explained an officer.
With this, the hands that had toiled to bring down the threatening numbers of HIV/AIDS cases are feeling cheated.
