M’luru blast case: Family of victim struggles to cover medical expenses

Team Udayavani, Dec 23, 2022, 10:43 AM IST

autorickshaw driver Purushottam Poojari (R)

Mangaluru: After the family of autorickshaw driver Purushottam Poojari, who was injured in the cooker bomb explosion in the city, expressed its inability to bear the medical treatment cost, the office of the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner has directed the hospital administration not to pressurize the family.

The DC has told the medical superintendent in a letter to continue appropriate treatment to Purushottam Poojari and not to pressure him to pay the treatment cost. The amount already paid from his daughter’s ESI account will be reimbursed by the government, he said.

Purushottam’s family had expressed their helplessness to bear the climbing cost of his treatment. The cost incurred so far was charged to his daughter’s ESI card which was maxed out.  The family complained to the DC as the hospital told them that further treatment would not be covered by the ESI. In this background, The DC has given instructions to the hospital.

It may be recalled that Purushottam Poojari, who is an autorickshaw driver, was injured when the cooker filled with explosives carried by a passenger exploded near Naguri on November 19. Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, who visited the hospital after the incident, termed the incident a terror attack and had assured that the government would bear Purushottam’s medical treatment cost. However, the family said the government is yet to release the promised financial assistance.

Relief will be released as per the rules: MLA Kamath

Meanwhile, MLA Vedavyas Kamath said that government will continue its support to Purushottam Poojari. He has personally extended financial support to foot his medical expenses. The government has assured to provide compensation to him and will be released after completing all required procedures, he said.

Further, Kamath said that a new autorickshaw will be provided to him under the old permit.

Still needs hospital care

Though Poojari is recovering from the burn injuries sustained during the blast, he still needs to be hospitalized for a considerably long period of time, sources said.

Meanwhile, the suspected militant in the case, Mohammad Shariq, who was admitted to the same hospital with 45 percent burns, has almost recovered and has been taken to Bengaluru for further treatment and interrogation.