‘Doctorless’ health camp in Koppal tanda sparks public outcry

Koppal: A health camp organised for residents of Kunikeri tanda in Koppal taluk on Saturday drew strong criticism after no doctors attended the programme despite prior assurances from the district administration.Following complaints about health problems caused by industrial pollution in the village, Koppal deputy commissioner Dr Suresh B Itnal assured residents that a special health camp would be conducted. He directed district health officer Dr Lingaraj T to make the necessary arrangements.Accordingly, the camp was organised on March 7 at Kunikeri tanda. However, only staff nurses—Suma K Hiremath, Hanumamma Neeravari, Kavita D and Netra—and lab technician Sanjeev Kumar were present. No MBBS or BAMS doctors attended the camp.Local activist Ramesh Dambralli brought the absence of doctors to the attention of DC Itnal, who assured that the matter will be taken up with the district health officer. However, even after the complaint, doctors did not arrive at the camp.Kunikeri tanda is considered one of the worst industrial pollution-affected villages in Koppal taluk, with residents claiming that nearly 75% of the population suffers from various pollution-related ailments, including asthma and cancer.Villagers expressed disappointment over the conduct of the camp, stating that many residents sacrificed their daily wages to attend in the hope of receiving proper medical consultation. The incident, they said, reflects the continuing apathy of the departments concerned towards the health issues of pollution-affected communities.In response to a query from TOI, district health officer Dr Lingaraju T said the programme held at Kunikeri tanda was only intended to be a screening camp. However, when informed that a banner at the venue described it as a ‘health camp', he said he would contact the taluk health officer and the doctor concerned and respond after verifying the details.