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.
“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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