Mangaluru : The district administration in association with the Health and Family Welfare Department, Mangaluru City Corporation, Zilla Panchayat and Wenlock Hospital, organised a discussion programme on Covid-19 at Town Hall on September 16, Wednesday.

The meeting was inaugurated by DK District in-charge Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary.

Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, hospitals should provide free treatment to the people of the society. To allay the fears in the minds of the public and also to clarify doubts with regard to Covid-19 cases and treatment in the district, said Minister Kota.

The district has so far recorded 17,776 Covid-19 cases. He clarified that all those registered under Ayushman Bharat Scheme are entitled for free treatment at the eight medical college hospitals and 12 private hospitals. He also said 12 more hospitals have applied to treat patients under the scheme.

He also said people can contact the Nodal officers appointed for each of the Covid treating hospital to clarify any doubt or to seek any help.

In his introductory address, Deputy Commissioner Dr Rajendra K V said there was fear as well as confusion in the minds of the people mainly due to spike in cases. He also pointed out that of the over 400 deaths reported most are from MCC limits. He said booth and ward level task forces have been formed to help check the spike in cases.

MLAs Dr Bharath Shetty, Vedavyas Kamath, ZP CEO Selvamani, Mayor Diwaker, Deputy Mayor Vedavathi, DCP Arunamshugiri and others were present.