Shivamogga: Health and family welfare minister Dinesh Gundu Rao directed the health department officials to undertake a scientific study of Handigodu disease and present a detailed report on its control measures. He issued the direction during a meeting at Shivamogga ZP hall on Wednesday.
Handigodu disease, a rare genetic condition affecting the nervous system, leads to muscle weakness, joint deformities, and skeletal abnormalities. The condition was initially discovered in 1978 in Handigodu village, Sagar taluk, Shivamogga district. Statistical data indicates that between 1978 and 1985, approximately 205 cases were documented, with nearly 100 fatalities reported.
The minister issued strict directives against unauthorised practitioners offering allopathic treatments, ordering the immediate closure of their clinics. He additionally mandated free treatment and ambulance services at govt healthcare facilities. “I visited Aralagodu village in Sagar taluk, which was affected by the mysterious KFD disease, and listened to the grievances of the people,” he said,
In this regard, consultations were held with the health officers of Uttara Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Udupi, and Shivamogga districts. Mobile Medicare Units will be sanctioned to Sagar, Hosanagara, and Shivamogga Rural taluks, which will be available for public service from Jan. New ambulances have been provided to 340 health centres in the state. Special physiotherapy centres will be opened in all district hospitals in the state.
Special campaign
A special campaign will be launched in the district to make it free of blindness. Under this campaign, free eye examination, treatment, and equipment will be provided to every citizen in the district. The Ashakirana scheme, which is currently available in a few districts, will be extended to the entire state.
The minister instructed the district officials to ensure that private hospitals in the district display the rates they charge for treatment. Failure to comply will result in action against the doctors, Gundu Rao instructed.
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