Free COVID Healthcare Centre Opens At Gonikoppal

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Lopamudra Medical Centre, Karuna Trust, donors and volunteers make the much-needed facility a reality

Mysore/Mysuru:

A 30-bed dedicated COVID Healthcare Centre has begun functioning at Lopamudra Medical Centre (LMC) at Gonikoppal in South Kodagu. COVID patients will be treated here free of cost. This Hospital will prove a boon to patients in South Kodagu who were earlier forced to travel either to Mysuru or Bengaluru that are already under pressure due to mounting infections. 

The facility was inaugurated last evening by Kodagu District Minister V. Somanna who holds the Housing portfolio. He assured the Hospital authorities that he would take measures to give 30 oxygen cylinders to 30 beds and an additional stock of 60 cylinders as a back-up. 

The COVID Healthcare Centre has been established by Karuna Trust, a Charitable Trust that has enabled integrated rural development and empowered the masses, Kodava Koota in the US, Kodava Deenabandhu Charitable Trust, Kodava Samajas and a dedicated team of volunteers, donors and various organisations, who have spared no efforts in making the COVID Centre a reality. 

Businessman Jammada Aiyanna, Dr. Kalyatanda Gautham Subbaiah from University of Florida, Brigadier (Retd.) Maletira Devaiah, Kokkanda Pavan Aiyappa, Cheppudira Geetha Chengappa, Karuna Trust Joint Secretary Venkat Chekuri, Ponnampet Kodava Samaja President Chottekmada Rajeev Bopaiah and several others have made invaluable contribution to the facility. 

They have raised funds alongside the Karuna Trust for infrastructure and also equipment and even many residents of Kodagu have contributed to the noble cause. The centre officially began functioning on May 15 under the leadership of Mukkatira Amrit Nanaiah, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, and is located on the third floor of the LMC at Athur village, two kilometres from Gonikoppal. 

Minister Somanna, MLA K.G. Bopaiah, Dr. Amrit Nanaiah, Dr. Sudarshan and hospital staff during the inauguration last evening.

Apart from Madikeri District Hospital and the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences there is no hospital in Kodagu to treat COVID patients. Thanks to the negligence of the Government and elected representatives who did not bother all these years to set up an advanced hospital. In this direction, the COVID Healthcare Centre at LMC will help save lives at the time of crisis. 

The COVID Healthcare Centre will have 15 beds with piped oxygen, five beds with oxygen concentrators and 10 beds with BiPAP machines, a sort of a ventilator that is used to treat chronic conditions that affect breathing. The centre will have a pharmacy and lab facility and will be a high dependency unit. Separate entrances have been made to facilitate the entry of COVID patients so that other patients who come to the LMC are not affected in any way. 

The LMC administration and the Karuna Trust will take care of providing doctors and nurses including consultations from doctors who are working in foreign shores. Donors are contributing to purchase oxygen, medicines including life-saving ones and also free food to the patients. On an average, a COVID patient has to spend lakhs of rupees for treatment and this healthcare centre provides free treatment and quality care. 

The centre will treat moderate COVID patients, who will be referred by the Kodagu District Administration and Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal has assured full support. The authorities are providing ambulance facility to the centre and the administration has assured to provide hassle-free oxygen supply from Mysuru. 

A 200 Kilo Litre oxygen unit will be installed at the LMC facility by Karuna Trust. Well-known social worker and tribal activist recognised for his work with the Soligas in B.R. Hills Dr. H. Sudarshan is a guiding force behind the COVID Healthcare Centre and he is also the founder and Honorary Secretary of the Karuna Trust.

Dr. Mukkatira Amrit Nanaiah

‘Committed to treat patients’

The hospital has become a reality, thanks to the efforts of Karuna Trust. We have an aim to provide the finest care and are committed to treat patients in complete transparency and the centre is a zero-billing facility. Our intention is to come to the rescue of patients who are in need of medical care. The COVID Healthcare Centre has been created in such a way that it is bifurcated from the other treatment units of the hospital. 

Dr. Kalyatanda Gautham Subbaiah, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, who has treated over 1,000 COVID patients in the US, will guide doctors at the facility. — Dr. Mukkatira Amrit Nanaiah, head of Lopamudra Medical Centre

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 16th, 2021

With Covid-positive family helpless, journalists help cremate body of victim in Kodagu

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The group carried the dead body to the estate – nearly 0.5 km away – for cremation. “The path was slippery and we had to cross a farm to reach the spot,” said a member, a photojournalist. 

Team Madhyama Spandana seen here in PPE kits for the last rites of a COVID victim in Kodagu. (Photo | Special Arrangement)

Madikeri :

Till recently, volunteers were the only ones risking their lives and undertaking the cremation of Covid victims in Kodagu. But on Sunday, with volunteers unavailable, a group of journalists took over and performed the last rites of a Covid victim.

The cremation took place after an 85-year-old resident of Balamuri village in Kodagu succumbed to Covid at his residence on Sunday. He had initially been hospitalised before being discharged a week later. 

The family of the deceased, who had also tested positive for Covid, wished to carry out the cremation at an estate located half a kilometre from their residence. But as they were Covid positive, none of the villagers were willing to help them.

The son of the deceased man then reached out to a group of volunteers in Napoklu town, which is over 10 km from the village. The volunteers in turn requested the family to shift the dead body to the crematorium at Napoklu. 

Helpless to do this as they had tested positive, the family turned to the Maadhyama Spandana group – a social service group started by a few journalists in the district to help the needy during the time of the pandemic. 

“Through the Maadhyama Spandana group, I received a call and we immediately swung into action to help the family,” shared Pappu Thimmaiah, a photojournalist. He, along with journalist Rejith Kumar roped in three other friends from outside the media group – Praveen, Aneesh and Sherin. All of the donned PPE kits and headed to help the distressed family.

“We wore PPE kits and left from Siddapura to reach the victim’s residence. The dead body of the victim was also unpacked and we packed it in a PPE kit,” Rejith explained. 

The group then carried the dead body to the estate – nearly 0.5 km away. “The path was slippery and we had to cross a farm to reach the spot,” said Pappu. 

They then lit the pyre after ensuring that the cremation was carried out following the proper rituals.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Pragna G R, Express News Service / May 17th, 2021

“I didn’t even dare walk out to him”- Robin Uthappa opens up on the threat he received from Shoaib Akhtar

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Robin Uthappa recently shared an intriguing anecdote from his international cricket days where Shoaib Akhtar  had threatened the batsman not to play one of his trademark ‘walking shots’. The speedster had said that he might even bowl a beamer in response if he sees Uthappa walking down the pitch again.

India  won the 5-match ODI series in 2007 against Pakistan by a margin of 3-2, and Robin Uthappa was part of India’s ODI set-up at the time. The batsman recently spoke about the threat he received from Shoaib Akhtar for playing one of his ‘walking shots’.

“We were playing a game in Guwahati. And since it’s in the east of India, it gets dark there early. Back then, we did not have two new balls. After 34 overs, we used to get a ball which used to be 24 overs old but slightly better. Shoaib was bowling and Irfan and I were batting. I think we needed 12 to win off 25 balls or something like that.

“I remember he bowled a yorker to me. I missed it from the arm and only saw it coming straight into the blockhole. I stopped the ball dead there. That was 154 something clicks. Next ball was a low full toss and I hit the ball for four. So after that, we needed 3 or 4 runs to win and I told myself, ‘Man, I have to walk out to Shoaib Akhtar and hit him. How many times will I get that opportunity.’ He bowled a length ball and I did it; it took the edge and it went for four. We won the match,” Robin Uthappa said on ‘Wake Up With Sorabh’ YouTube channel.

Adding further to the story, the Karnataka batsman said:

“We went to Gwalior for the next game (4th ODI) and I remember we all were having dinner together. I think we hung out in someone’s room and having a meal. Shoaib bhai was there as well. He came to me and said ‘Robin… well played. Good game’. And then he said ‘One more thing… you walked out and hit me today. If you do that again, even I don’t know what will happen… you might get a beamer directed at your head.’ After that, I didn’t even dare walk out to him.” Robin Uthappa said.

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T20 World Cup@T20WorldCup

Happy birthday to Robin Uthappa! He was a part of India’s successful 2007 @ICC Men’s

#T20WorldCup campaign and was among their top five run-scorers

👏

Nov 11, 2020

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Robin Uthappa didn’t have the best of times in the 2007 ODI series against Pakistan, scoring only 31 runs across 4 innings. Yuvraj Singh was the star of the show for India, winning the Man of the Series award for his performance against the arch-rivals.

Robin Uthappa didn’t get a game for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021

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Chennai Super Kings – Mask Pdu Whistle Pdu!@ChennaiIPL·Robin says 𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗹 up y😷ur masks cause it’s high time.


Apr 29

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The 35-year-old was part of the 2021 edition of the IPL for the Chennai Super Kings. However, before the tournament was postponed, Robin Uthappa failed to get a game for the Chennai outfit.

With Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis showing impressive form at the top of the order, the veteran batsman could not break into the playing XI.

The batsman’s best days in the IPL came in KKR’s jersey when he won the Orange Cup during the 2014 season and helped the Kolkata franchise win their second title.

source: http://www.sportskeeda.com / SportsKeeda / Home> Cricket> News / by Ayush Chaurasia, Analyst / May 16th, 2021

Kannada actors Bhuvann and Harshika Poonacha start free oxygen auto rickshaw services amid COVID crisis

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Actors Bhuvann Ponnanna and Harshika Poonacha are again back with their social welfare works and this time have started free oxygen service through auto-rickshaws to the needy.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Actor Bhuvann Ponnanna runs Bhuvanam Foundation which is into social welfare activities
  • Actress Harshika Poonach has joined her hands with Bhuvann for this social cause
  • Health minister of Karnataka state has inaugurated the free oxygen service initiated by the actor
Free oxygen service from Bhuvanam Foundation owner and actor  |  Photo Credit: Twitter

Bengaluru is going through its most difficult time as the devastating second wave of Covid-19 has created a lot of trouble for the city by targeting the people on daily basis.

As a matter of fact, the city is facing a shortage of oxygen as the demand for it has been increased tremendously in the last 15 days. Those who are infected with the virus and are facing breathing issues are requesting authorities for the supply of oxygen. But, due to the high demand, it has become challenging for the local authorities to arrange for it.

Meantime, several eminent personalities, political leaders, generous industrialists from the city are trying their best to provide oxygen for the needy. Even film personalities are coming forward to do their bit.

In one such instance, the Kannada actors Bhuvann Ponnanna and Harshika Poonacha have started free oxygen supply service to the needy through bus and auto-rickshaw loaded with oxygen cylinders.

The service has been named “Oxygen Express” and it was inaugurated today by the state health minister Dr. K Sudhakar in Bengaluru. The whole initiative is being funded by the Bhuvanam Foundation run by the actor Bhuvann who was also a participant in the reality show of Kannada Bigg Boss Season 4 hosted by Sudeep.   

Appreciating the initiative taken by both Bhuvann and Harshika Poonacha the state health minister has also tweeted in his official Twitter account.

Harshika has also replied to the minister’s tweet by tweeting, “Honourable Health Minister Dr. @mla_sudhakar sir inaugurated our projects #Shwasa and #Bhandawa from @BhuvanamF today Thankyou so much for honoring us with your presence sir  #BhuvanamFoundation The Religion of Love and Kindness”.

This is not the first time for Bhuvann to carry out social welfare works for the people, he had helped the people during the flood time in Karnataka in 2019 too. Also just a few days back the actor had distributed thousands of food kits to the poor.

It can be remembered that a few days back Bhuvann had started a helpline to help those who are suffering from Covid and are in need of emergency help. He had given his private number for the cause and started receiving thousands of calls in a day. He then hired some people and made a team that is serving the people.

The golden-hearted actor Bhuvann Ponnanna has entered the Kannada film industry by appearing in a guest role in Just Maath Maathalli starring Sudeep in the lead role. He then appeared in negative shades in a couple of movies before participating in the Kannada Bigg Boss reality show.

Images Credit: Dr. K Sudhakar/Twitter

source: http://www.timesnownews.com / Times Now News / Home> News> Entertainment News > Kannada Cinema News/ byTimes Now Digital / May 14th, 2021

Now, a 30-bed centre in Kodagu to treat COVID-19 patients free of cost

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“The facility will have 15 beds with pipelined oxygen, five beds with oxygen concentrators and 10 beds with Bipap machines (a type of ventilator),” said Venkat Chekuri, joint secretary of Karuna Trust.

The COVID care centre in Kodagu (Photo | Special arrangement)

Madikeri :

A 30-bed Dedicated Covid Healthcare Centre (DCHC) will be inaugurated at a private hospital in Gonikoppal to provide improved treatment to COVID patients free of cost. The DCHC has been established following efforts by the Karuna Trust – a charitable trust that has enabled integrated rural development.

The facility will start functioning from May 15 at Lopamudra Private Hospital in Gonikoppal. “The facility will have 15 beds with pipelined oxygen, five beds with oxygen concentrators and 10 beds with Bipap machines (a type of ventilator),” explained Venkat Chekuri, joint secretary of Karuna Trust.

He explained that the facility has seen the light of day following efforts from Kodava Koota members in the US, Concerned Citizens of Coorg organization members and members of Kodava Samaj who have raised funds alongside Karuna Turst to establish the DCHC. The centre will have a pharmacy and lab facility and will be a high dependency unit.

“The centre will treat moderate COVID patients who will be referred by the district administration. The centre will provide free treatment to the patients alongside three meals a day and snacks. The administration of Kodagu alongside DC Charulata Somal has offered complete support and the ambulance facility to the centre is being provided by the district administration. The administration has also assured to provide hassle-free oxygen supply to the centre from Mysuru,” explained Venkat. He further added that a 200-litre oxygen unit will shortly be installed at the centre by the trust.  

The trust will bear the rent charges for the place provided at the private hospital and will have doctors and nurses appointed by the trust itself. “Dr Sudarshan, the founding member of the trust, is guiding the entire project. Also, Dr Gautham Subbaiah, assistant professor at the University of Florida – who has treated over 1000 COVID patients in the US – will guide local doctors in treating the patients. Experts from the University of Florida will review the ground work at the centre,” added Venkat.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / May 14th, 2021

Nominated As Mysore University Syndicate Member

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Mysore/Mysuru: 

M.B. Gappanna of Kavadi village in Ammathi, Virajpet taluk, Kodagu, has been nominated as Syndicate Member of University of Mysore by the Chancellor, who is also the Governor of Karnataka. 

As per the notification issued from the Office of the Governor, the term of office shall be for a period of three years with effect from Oct. 3, 2020. 

A MBA graduate from Mangalore University, Machimanda Gappanna has been an activist working for progressive causes and was the President of All College Students Union of Mangalore University.

He has the experience of working in the corporate world in various capacities and has been associated with several service organisations like Rotary, where he has been the Director of Youth Service. He is passionate about helping people at the grassroot level and interested in finding innovative solutions to support rural employment.

Gappanna is involved with several NGOs motivating youth for self employment and skill development.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 06th, 2021

Obituary – Palecanda Yogesh

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Palecanda Yogesh (49), owner of Bhagavathi Bus Service, passed away on Thursday night at Virajpet, Kodagu. He was also running a cold storage and a medical shop in the town.

He leaves behind his mother, wife, two children and a host of relatives and friends.

Cremation took place at Kodava Samaja crematorium in Virajpet yesterday, according to family sources.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / May 08th, 2021

Hand-Stamping Of All Visitors Resumes In Kodagu

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Mysore/Mysuru:

Like in the first wave of COVID-19, the Kodagu District Administration has resumed stamping the hands of all those who are entering the district from various check-posts with indelible ink.

This comes in the wake of Kodagu — that lacks even medium-scale medical infrastructure — witnessing on an average of more than 600 COVID-positive cases every day. Also, identifying the infection pattern, the District authorities have realised that the killer virus is primarily spread by people who are arriving in the district in hordes following the lockdown announcement. 

All the travellers from other bordering districts — Mysuru, Hassan, Mangaluru and Kerala — through Anechowkur Gate near Hunsur, Koppa Gate near Kushalnagar, Kodlipet Gate near Somwarpet, Sampaje Gate near Madikeri, Kutta Gate (from Tholpetty) and Karike check-post near Bhagamandala are being hand-stamped and they are being told to be in home-quarantine for 14 days. 

“HOME QUARANTINED,” reads the hand stamp, along with the date it was given to determine when their 14-day isolation ends. Before they enter the check-posts, their addresses, phone numbers, Gram Panchayat jurisdiction, purpose of visit is recorded and the same is conveyed to the respective Gram Panchayats so that the home isolated visitors are constantly monitored. 

The process of hand-stamping began in Kodagu on May 6 and the daily list is updated to the respective Panchayat Development Officer. 

Health officials said only those with negative certificates are allowed from Kerala. As a result, the movement of goods vehicles between the two States has come down drastically. Virajpet Tahsildar Yoganand said that with the rise in COVID cases, the surveillance has been strengthened.

As many as 12 personnel from the Revenue, Health, Police and Forest Departments are working in shifts at Makutta check-post. CCTV cameras have been installed at the check-posts,  he added. 

All the vehicles are being checked at the Hipligate check-post on the Kodagu-Hassan border. Check-posts have been set up at Shanthapura and Kodlipet to check the vehicles from Hassan entering the district. Barricades have been placed near the check-posts. These check-posts operate round-the-clock.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News /May 10th, 2021

Karnataka: Kodagu crematorium cries for revamp as COVID death toll rises

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Kodagu was among the first districts to report COVID cases and had sought the help of volunteers, especially for the cremation and burial of COVID victims.

Madikeri :

“When we started this service a year ago, we did not know it would become so severe. We are stressed and emotionally drained. But we cannot abandon it now,” said a volunteer from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which is involved in conducting the last rites of COVID victims in Kodagu.

It was among the first districts to report COVID cases and had sought the help of volunteers, especially for the cremation and burial of COVID victims. Over 100 volunteers came forward from Popular Front of India, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal and Seva Bharathi.

While the district rarely reported COVID deaths last year, it is seeing an average of six deaths per day over the last one month, the highest being 16 on a single day. The designated crematorium for COVID victims in Madikeri is equipped to raise only three pyres at a time.

“We can arrange two pyres on the cemented structure and the third on the temporary setup that has been arranged with the increase in COVID deaths. When there are more than three deaths, we have to wait for nearly three to four hours for all the three bodies to burn completely. We then collect the ashes and hand them over to relatives,” a volunteer said.

“We dispose of our PPE kits, sanitise ourselves and then go back to the Madikeri COVID Hospital to collect the remaining bodies. We repeat the same process. When there are more deaths, most of our day is spent at the crematorium,” they added.

Volunteers of VHP and Bajrang Dal have conducted the last rites of 101 victims, and they do selfless service as they don’t accept any monetary donations. “But I request the district administration to provide us with health insurance. If anything happens to us tomorrow, at least our families can survive with the insurance money. Social service alone has been a part of most of our lives. Also, if the government can expand and improve the crematorium, it would reduce a lot of our stress,” a volunteer said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / May 10th, 2021

Take Measures To Increase Oxygen Bed Capacity In Kodagu District

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Minister Somanna inspects Virajpet Govt. Hospital

Minister Somanna inspects Virajpet Govt. Hospital

Madikeri:

Kodagu District in-Charge Minister V. Somanna said that all measures will be taken for increasing oxygen bed capacity in the district in the wake of rising COVID cases.

He was presiding over a review meeting on COVID Control and treatment measures at the ZP Hall here on Thursday.

Pointing out that there are plans to increase the number of oxygen beds in the district by 250, including 50 in Somwarpet, 20 in Pollibetta, 20 in Kutta and a good number in Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital, Somanna said that all Corona warriors and persons aged over 45 years should get compulsorily vaccinated for their own health and well-being.

Noting that several organisations such as Rotary, Lions and Chamber of Commerce have come forward for joining hands with the District Administration, he directed the authorities to take measures for refilling the 13 KL Oxygen tank at the District COVID Hospital. He also asked the authorities to ensure timely vaccine and oxygen supplies to the district in accordance with the demand.

Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan expressed concern over rising number of COVID deaths in the district. Noting that there are complaints that Doctors and Nursing Staff were complacent in taking care of patients, he urged the authorities to ensure proper food and boiled drinking water to all patients at COVID Hospital.

Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah wanted the authorities to ensure that people above 60 years of age are vaccinated in the district. He also asked them to ensure that second dose is given to all the vaccinated.

MLC Veena Achaiah suggested to install CCTV cameras at ICU wards of COVID Hospital.

Another MLC Sunil Subramani said that the staff of Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) were doing a good job and they should continue with their good work, without giving scope for any complacency.

MP Pratap Simha said that the District has been provided with a 13 KL oxygen tank and the authorities should submit daily updates of oxygen requirement and use. Instructing the authorities to ensure that there is no oxygen shortage at any point of time, he said that there is every possibility that the deadly virus may peak in the coming days and the authorities should brace up themselves by augmenting oxygen capacity and number of oxygen beds.

Kodagu District in-Charge Secretary V. Anbukumar  told the meeting that the oxygen bed capacity at the Medical College Hospital will be increased to 150 in phases.

DC Charulatha Somal said that 130 oxygen cylinders have been handed over to the DHO through the Tahsildars of three taluks in the district. Also, measures have been taken to take custody of all oxygen cylinders  available at Kushalnagar Industrial Area after discussing with the owners of industries, she added.

KIMS Director Dr. Cariappa, Superintendent Dr. Lokesh, RCH Officer Dr. Gopinath and Dr. Anand spoke about the measures taken for COVID management and control in the district.

SP Kshama Mishra, Additional DC Raju Mogaveera, In-Charge Assistant Commissioner Srinivas and other officials were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News /May 08th, 2021