Karnataka: No relief in sight for Endosulfan victims

Those suffering from Cancer, infertility can only get treatment at the hospital but are not eligible for monthly pensio Only visible deformities are listed and only those with deformities listed get pension Activists threaten to go to Court.

In a Catch 22 situation, the Endosulfan victims who are suffering from Cancer and infertility are barred from eligibility to claim monthly pension and both the complaints are not listed as deformities.

Both Cancer and infertility victims are given Smart Cards. However, that enables them to get free treatment at the hospitals but not to claim pension.

The government has three kinds of cards for Endosulfan victims in the State. Those who have more than 60 per cent deformity get Red Card. Those with 25 and more per cent deformity get Yellow Card and those suffering from Cancer and infertility are given Blue Card.

According to a survey by the Health Department, in Dakshina Kannada there are about 784 cases of infertility and cancer due to Endosulfan.

The Endosulfan activists argue that both kinds of victims cannot live by treatment alone but also need life support.  It is actually too late for treatment now. They have nobody to take care of them and hence are in dire need of pension, at least till their life time.

Dr Arun, Nodal Officer, Endosulfan Victims Division, says the appeal by Cancer and infertility victims has been sent to the Revenue Department to include in the list.

Sridhar Gowda, president Endosulfan Victims Horata Vedike says the victims are continuously being wronged and at least now the government should include the Cancer and infertility victims to the list, failing which they would protest and go to Court.