Mandya: Deputy commissioner Kumara has directed health department officials to expedite the empanelment of hospitals under the PM-Rahat scheme, which is expected to be rolled out in Mandya district within a month. The scheme provides cashless emergency treatment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh to eligible road accident victims.Chairing a review meeting on the scheme’s implementation, Kumara said emergency treatment must not be delayed due to a lack of money or documents. Eligible beneficiaries should receive cashless treatment and critical care without unnecessary delays, he added. The DC also directed officials to create awareness among doctors and hospital staff about the scheme.District health officer Dr Bettaswamy said: “We cannot force private hospitals to provide treatment under the scheme. However, we will hold discussions with them and encourage eligible hospitals to join the scheme,” he said.He added that the district has around 36 hospitals with facilities that could potentially meet the requirements. The department expects to complete the empanelment process within a month.Kumara directed officials to take stringent measures to ensure that 2026 Ganeshotsava is celebrated in an eco-friendly and peaceful manner, with a strict ban on the production, storage, sale and immersion of Ganesha idols made of plaster of Paris (PoP) and chemical colours.Suitable immersion points and temporary tanks should be identified and provided with basic facilities such as lighting and safety arrangements.The DC also directed officials not to permit DJs during the celebrations and to strictly enforce noise pollution regulations.
