Man dies of Covid, kin blame officials

Chikkamagaluru: A man from from Lingadalli in Tarikere taluk, who had tested positive for Covid-19, succumbed to the virus, even as his family members blamed the health authorities for his death. They alleged that he did not get timely treatment. The victim’s mother too died of Covid-19 last week.
The deceased is a 33-year-old man, who got married two months ago. He had developed SARI. His father said that the swab test report came late. After he tested positive for Covid-19, it took 12 hours to shift him to the hospital because of non-availability of ambulance, be said.
The villagers also blamed the health department for neglecting Covid patients. They said that the many Covid cases are being reported from Lingadalli and surrounding villages. However, test reports are arriving late. Sometimes it takes two weeks for the test reports to arrive. By then the patient’s condition deteriorates. Getting an ambulance on time has become increasingly difficult,they said.
However, Chikkamagaluru deputy commssioner Bagadi Goutham denied the allegations. “The patient was brought by ambulance to the district Covid hospital at 1.45pm on Sunday. He died at 2.30pm at the hospital. The allegation made by villagers is completely false and the district administration has always been proactive,” he said.