DYFI protests privatization of Wenlock Hospital; demand new govt. medical college

January 20, 2014

Mangalore, Jan 20: Members of the Dakshina Kannada district committee of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) staged a day-long mass sit-in protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office here on Monday, demanding a halt on privatization of the District Wenlock Hospital and establishment of a government medical college in the district.

Addressing the protestors, DYFI district president Muneer Katipalla said that although the maintenance of Wenlock Hospital was transferred to KMC Hospital, the quality of services at the hospital was poor and inadequate.

With upto 17,000 posts in the health department and government hospitals in the state being vacant, the government hospitals in the state are now being privatised, instead of strengthening them. The district administration should take strict action and see to it that the Wenlock Hospital is not privatised for any reason, he urged.

He said that the government as well as private hospitals had begun resorting to providing treatment on the basis of the patient's financial competence. The district Wenlock Hospital was meant for the poor and the common man, who were not receiving adequate facilities in the hospital. The district administration should put a halt to this kind of behaviour of hospitals, he said, urging that the district administration should implement a rule of uniform rate system in all hospitals in the district.

Mr Katipalla demanded that hospitals should cut down on the number of unnecessary medical tests and procedures on patients.

The protestors also demanded the establishment of a government medical college in the city.

“Students from several medical colleges utilise the Wenlock Hospital for their internship, for which they are required to deposit a sum of Rs 1 lakh. However, there is no accountability for the payment taken from the medical students. Those funds should be utilised for the upgradation of the hospital,” he said, claiming that the health minister U T Khader was keen on working for the lobby behind private hospitals in the state, and not to resolve the health problem in the state.

The protestors urged for their demands to be fulfilled, failing which they would hold further protests along with labour groups and progressive groups.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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