Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 24: An informal visit by the Indian National Congress COVID-19 taskforce was made to the Father Muller Medical College Hospital. The visit was headed by U T Khader, MLA and Ivan D’Souza, MLC along with the members of the committee.
Ivan D’Souza firstly thanked the management for its service to the district in a manner par excellence during these difficult times. He furthered that the Congress party has created a task force to see the implementation of the government schemes and try to help those in need of help due to COVID-19. The main motive was to help the public avail offers of the government and thus through this meeting make all the team members know of the facilities and charges at the hospital.
The members included Girish Shetty, secretary city block Congress Mangaluru south; Ashraf Bajal, corporator MCC; Vishwa Kumar Das, president Mangaluru city block Congress, M Shashidar Hegde, former mayor; Abdul Ravoof, corporator MCC; T Praveen Chandra Alva, corporator MCC, B Ramanand Poojary, corporator MCC and Chethan Kumar, general secretary block Congress committee.
The visit was chaired by the administrator of Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa. The administrator welcomed the team and presented the current scenario of the hospital towards COVID-19 care.
Praveen Chandra enquired if patients having symptoms need to go the government hospital first to avail treatment, to which the administrator said the hospital welcomed anyone wanting treatment for any condition directly to the hospital. People coming with fever will be examined in the fever clinic and after the history elicited only then if required will be tested for COVID-19 or else will be sent home with medication.
Ashraf queried if one needs to be worried if anyone who is tested positive (asymptomatic) and is in home isolation? Dr Uday Kumar, medical superintendent FMMCH, briefed them that according to the recent government rules, asymptomatic individuals who have tested positive will need no hospital admission only home isolation, individuals finding it difficult to do so at home can request for admission.
Administrator Fr Rudolph briefed them of the charges of the hospital which are 50% less than the stipulated government rates, eg, for the COVID-19 general ward charged at Rs 4000 per day (GoK stipulated charges for general ward Rs 10,000 per day). He categorically stated that the hospital has never refused anyone with no money. These situations are different and the expenses incurred due to the safety protocol needed to be considered as this a private hospital.
U T Khader opined that people know of the charitable nature of Father Muller Medical College Hospital and its quality of care and therefore throng for treatment here. He asked if there was a need for any policy change that could benefit the public or any recommendation that the hospital or doctors could provide for implementation by the government.
The team was appraised of the fact that the hospital charges are the least in the region and thus for any inquiry, one can approach the reception for clarification. Ayushman Bharath cardholders who have their Adhaar card will be treated free of cost in the hospital for COVID-19. Cash patients can choose any of the bed rates they prefer and get themselves treated.
Liaison officer Dr Kelvin Peter Pais and David Sequeira, the patient coordinating officer will be the point of contact for the team in case of any assistance for the team henceforth, which was suggested by the management.
The team was pleased with the fruitful and forthcoming discussions and vowed to help the public and hospital in these times of crisis. Ivan D’Souza reiterated his support to the public and the hospital, hoping things will improve and the world will see better days of prosperity.
The management was represented by the administrator of the medical college, Fr Ajith B Menezes, assistant administrator of the hospital, Fr Nelson Pais, medical superintendent Dr Uday Kumar and liaison officer Dr Kelvin Peter Pais.