He entered the scene at a time when utter chaos was prevailing in the State as to who should take a lead to contain COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa had tried and tested a couple of Ministers by making in-charge to check pandemic but nothing worked out. A big drama unfolded when Health Department portfolio was taken away from Ballari mining baron B. Sriramulu and given to Medical Education Minister Dr. K. Sudhakar, a MBBS degree holder. But the storm in a tea cup became calm only after intervention by the CM.
The COVID-19 situation gradually improved, thanks to daily monitoring of situation and interaction with district-level health officers by Dr. Sudhakar. Non-working officials were shown the door and were replaced with young and energetic officers. Ramping up RT-PCR test across the State not only helped to bring down Corona positive cases but also the casualty rate. Despite his busy schedule, Dr. Sudhakar spoke to Star of Mysore on the current situation and mass inoculation plans. Excerpts. —Ed
