Mysuru: The state government’s idea of merging Yashaswini scheme with Vajpayee Arogyashri has not gone down too well among certain constituents within the Congress party.
Speaking at Press Club on February 20, former state minister H Vishwanath opposed state government’s move of merging popular health scheme Yashaswini with central government’s Vajapayee Arogyashri.
Vishwanath said, “The scheme which came into force during S M Krishna’s regime in 2003 has benefited large sections of the society with over 780 government and private hospitals offering services under the scheme. Government has spent Rs 1223 Crore for treating patients and over 43 lakh people have benefited from the scheme. Around 823 surgeries have been performed to benefit critically ill patients. The proposed merger will make the scheme totally ineffective.”
Letters have been sent to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Health Minister Prasanna Kumar, said Vishwanath and urged the government to reconsider the merger decision.
He expressed displeasure at government’s lackadaisical attitude and asked the chief minister to take his own decision and not go by the version of bureaucrats to ensure continuation of the scheme.
When reporters quizzed him about notices from AICC and KPCC, Vishwanath shot back and asked, “Am I involved in anti party activities and scandals to get notices?” Finally on a lighter note he said, “Notice may be on its way!”
“On the receipt of notice,reply will be sent after consulting my party leaders, workers by passing a resolution at a public meeting”, confirmed Vishwanath.
