Sudatta Jain ends indefinite strike on 11th day on assurance from MLA

The fast which began on Sunday, had entered into its eleventh day on Wednesday. Sudatta Jain was visited by Mr Lobo and ESI Scheme Director (Bangalore) Dr Rahimunisa at around 1 p.m. in front of District Commissioner's office, and successfully convinced the former of fulfilling the demands put forth by him.

Speaking to Coastaldigest.com, Mr Jain said that people covered under the ESI scheme had to visit one of the dispensaries in the district, after which they would be directed to the ESI Hospital located in Shivabagh, which itself served as a problem to poor labourers. Moreover, the hospital lacks good facilities which affects the quality of health care provided to the patients, he said.

“Upgrading the hospital and looking after the needs of labourers is the responsibility of the new MLA. At present, since there is Congress-led government both at the state and the Centre, it is a good opportunity for them to fulfill our demands. Since the new MLA has been elected for the first time, I agreed to give him a chance to consider our demands,” he said.

He said that Puttur MLA Shakuntala Shetty had also visited him during his hunger strike, while Minister of Health and Family Welfare U T Khader spoke to him over the phone.

Apart from upgrading the infrastructure of the ESI Hospital, Mr Jain has demanded that the ESI Hospital be entirely funded by the Central Government. The other demands are setting up a hospital meant exclusively for beedi workers, appointing a full-time doctor and restoring bus connectivity from ESI dispensaries to the ESI Hospital at Shivabagh, among others.