Mangalore: When state Medical Education minister S.A.Ramdas visited Govt. Wenlock Hospital in city at noon on Friday (today), he was confronted with Akila bhrata karmika samiti Dharna of people sitting before the hospital with slogans and placards against charges levied to poor patient.  The hospital took 90 minutes to admit emergency patients brought in ambulances. The protestors told the minister that the hospital officials asked patients to bring suitable medicines (prescribed) from outside at their own cost. They wanted free and concessional treatment for BPL family patients at the Govt Hospital. On the assurance of the visiting minister that he would set right the matters, the protesters gave one week’s time for redressal and dispersed. This explains the mass absenteeism of nearly 50 doctors when Ramdas paid a visit, unlike a Lokayukta on investigation.
Capt.Ganesh Karnik and Jagadish Shenava, a lawyer, witnessed the situation.