Bengaluru, February 25 – Amid criticism from the BJP that the five guarantees of the Congress government are pushing Karnataka towards bankruptcy, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, while addressing the ‘Kusuma Sanjeevini’ initiative that provides preventive treatment for hemophilia patients, said that while the schemes are a burden, the government wants to ensure that people do not face mental stress due to financial difficulties.
Shivakumar made the statement on Wednesday after inaugurating preventive treatment for hemophilia patients under the ‘Kusuma Sanjeevini’ initiative and the 108 ambulance services at an event organized by the Department of Health and Family Welfare at the Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru.
Addressing the gathering, Dy CM Shivakumar said, “We have given five guarantees, including free bus service for women, free electricity, and financial assistance of Rs 2,000. We have provided these benefits even though they place a burden on the state government.”
“We want to ensure that people do not face mental stress due to financial difficulties. If you are confident, people will come forward to provide assistance. In this context, the government has decided to instill financial confidence and mental strength among the people, so that they are empowered financially.”
This statement is likely to spark controversy and trigger a debate on the guarantees in the state.
Speaking about hemophilia, Dy CM Shivakumar said, “Hemophilia is a serious illness, and patients, researchers, and doctors have gathered here today. This is a special day. It is our conviction that your lives should be strengthened. No child or person desires such diseases; it is the law of nature. It is not the fault of the children or their parents.”
“We have to accept it. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has informed that one injection per month costs about Rs 50,000, and they incur expenses of Rs 5 lakh per patient annually. The expenditure is there, and it is not a problem. Those affected by this disease should not feel helpless. Considering the financial difficulties faced by parents, the government has decided to intervene,” he said.
He added that the Health Minister had placed the proposal before the Cabinet, and the government had approved it. “It does not matter which government in the country takes up this task, but Karnataka should lead, and we have taken that decision,” he said.
Shivakumar also said that he had previously served as the Medical Education Minister. “Karnataka is a leader in medical education. You can go to any country – the US, Australia, Europe, or elsewhere – and you will find our doctors excelling. Every year, we produce 13,940 doctors, including more than 3,000 postgraduates. Karnataka is the only state in the country with about 70 medical colleges, with at least one medical college in every district,” he said.
He added that more than one lakh paramedical staff are trained in the state. “When I was in charge, I gave permissions liberally. Today, young men and women from Kerala and Assam come here for training and later settle abroad,” he said.
“Serving humanity is the biggest commitment of our government,” he said.
He urged patients not to lose confidence. “Even children should not lose hope. Nothing is impossible. God gives opportunities, not gifts or curses. Our Health Department is creating a revolution in the healthcare sector. Bring this government back to ensure continued service,” he said.
“The government will never compromise on any demand from the Health Department,” he added.
He said parents would no longer have to worry about spending Rs 50,000 every month on treatment. “Health ensures prosperity. With great joy, your government stands with you always. Do not lose hope at any time. This Congress government will stand with you at every step,” Dy CM Shivakumar said.