Decision to close 16 COVID-19 centres in Mysuru draws flak

JD(S) MLA S.R. Mahesh questions move when cases in Mysuru are rising

The decision to shut down 16 COVID-19 Care Centres (CCCs) run by some private hospitals in collaboration with hotels and staying facilities in Mysuru has come under criticism with former Minister and K.R. Nagar JD(S) MLA S.R. Mahesh questioning the judgement behind the move at a time when the cases in Mysuru were alarmingly growing. Acting on the decision taken at the meeting chaired by Krishnaraja MLA S.A. Ramdas and the oral order of the Deputy Commissioner, Mysuru, the District Health Officer, in an order issued on May 19, directed closure of all 16 CCCs with immediate effect until further instructions. Sharing the copies of the DHO’s order and the State government’s order on setting up of STEP-DOWN hospitals by private medical establishments in collaboration with hotels and staying facilities, Mr. Mahesh told reporters here on Thursday that the reason cited for the closure was that one of the centres was run unprofessionally, lacking proper facilities for patients. “If that was true, then that CCC should have been closed instead of closing down all.. Where will 300-plus patients currently housed in 16 CCCs go,” he asked.