Karnataka has registered the first death of a frontline health worker part of the COVID-19 treatment.
Saravana M (35), a junior health assistant being part of the COVID19 screening team at Hebbuni check-post in Mulbagal, Kolar district, died while on duty.
It needs to be mentioned that, Saravana, was working with the Oorkuntemittur primary health centre in Kolar district, he died of a heart condition, while on COVID-19 surveillance duty at Hebbuni at 3.30 am on Monday.
He had a wife and children.
“Since the man died on duty, his family can opt for Rs 50 lakh insurance meant for health workers involved in COVID-19 surveillance. But since his post mortem concludes that he died of myocardial infarction, we are not sure,” said nodal officer Jagadish.
“We have sent his samples for COVID-19 testing,” he said.
C S Shadakshari, president, Karnataka Government Employees Association, said, “I have spoken to Health Minister B Sriramulu in this regard. The rules clearly say anybody who dies on duty during the COVID-19 surveillance, which is a national emergency, will be compensated, whether he acquired the infection or not.
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