Karnataka Health Minister writes to Centre seeking supply of anti-TB drugs

Bengaluru: Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has accused the Central government of impeding the supply of anti-tuberculosis drugs in the state, endangering the lives of thousands of TB patients. He has written to the Centre to take immediate action, seeking a supply of anti-TB drugs.

In his post on X, Dinesh Gundu Rao mentioned that critical medications are not available in sufficient quantities. 

"It is deeply concerning that the Union Government's frequent interruptions in the supply of Anti-TB drugs are jeopardising the health and well-being of over 80,000 TB patients annually in Karnataka. Despite our relentless efforts to ensure continuous treatment, the recent directives have only exacerbated the situation," he said.

Further, he urged the Central government to immediately take action and solve the situation.

According to ANI, "Neglecting people's health under the pretext of the election code of conduct is unjustifiable. I urge the Union Government to take immediate action to rectify this situation," the Karnataka health minister added.

Furthermore, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar criticized the Centre for what he termed as "stepmotherly treatment" towards Karnataka, especially concerning funding for various development projects amid drought conditions.

In an exclusive conversation with ANI, when asked about his claims of paucity of funds for projects, DK Shivakumar said, "...In Karnataka, there was a double-engine government. Chief Minister Bommai, when he was in power himself, admitted on record in the assembly that we would have to fight for our share."

He accused the Centre of not giving an extra 50 days of work in drought-hit Taluks.

"I am not talking about big things, there is MGNREGA programme, in which every drought time they have to permit us 150 days, but they are giving only 100 days, they have to give 50 more days. This is the law of the country, this is mandatory. We have 200 Taluks under drought, but not a single rupee has been given funds for drought. My Chief Minister and ministers all met the Prime Minister, Home Minister and other Union Ministers-- requested all of them. But nothing has been given," the Congress leader said.