Mangaluru: Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim asked the family members of Endosulfan victims to form a society, which can run a permanent rehabilitation centre for the victims of all ages.
Chairing a meeting on the Endosulfan issues, Mr. Ibrahim said that the centre should be run by a responsible institution that can take care of victims. Meanwhile, P.R Mohammed, who has been fighting for the cause of Endosulfan victims, said that the family members are in better position to run it. In reply, Mr. Ibrahim said that the government will provide all necessary assistance to run the centre, including land and infrastructure. The victims should form a society in 15 days, he added.
As of now, there are 3,109 victims of Endosulfan. Among them, 1,933 of them have 60% of deformity, while 682 of them have 25-59% of deformity. For the victims, the health department organizes seven camps in a month. Besides, there are two day care centres operational in Koila in Puttur and Kokkada in Belthangady. In reality, only 40 victims have registered, while 25 of them make use of it daily. But, the government spends at least 3 lakh per month on staff, food and vehicle expenses every month. It’s not helping all the Endosulfan victims, one of the member said.
Meantime, Mr. Mohammed suggested that the district administration must instead construct a permanent rehabilitation centre for the victims. The family members of the victims can be employed at the centre to look after the victims. In response, Mr A.B Ibrahim asked the family members of Endosulfan victims to form a society as a first step. He extended financial and infrastructural support.
Doctors don’t treat bed-ridden victims
Deputy Commissioner took the officials to task for not attending about 180 Endosulfan victims who are bedridden. These victims can not come to the special medical camps. Hence, the doctors of Primary Health Centre (PHC) are supposed to attend them. But, they have been escaping from the duty, citing different reasons, Mr. Mohammed noted. Medical Officer Arun Kumar S.B said despite directions by the District Health Officer there has not been much compliance to visiting houses of such victims.
Taking a stern direction, Mr. Ibrahim asserted that each doctor to visit the bed ridden victim once a week. “This is mandatory. These victims need attention as mobile clinics do not come to these places”, he said. Mr. Ibrahim has sought report from District Health Officer by another seven days of visit to patient’s house and their health status.
