Addressing a seminar organised by ex-servicemen at Madikeri on Thursday, he said that the shortage of medicine in ECHS hospital is not confined only to Kodagu but it is a nation-wide problem. Delhi ECHS will be outsourced on experimental basis and medicines will be supplied. Based on the success of this experiment, decision will be taken whether it should be outsourced or not.
“This land where Field Marshal K M Karyappa, K S Thimmaiah and many other valiant soldiers took birth is truly a pious land. It is the land of brave men but off late the number of Kodavas joining Army or defence wings has gone down. Kodava youth should make up their minds to join the Army and serve the nation,” Khanna said calling upon youth to join the defence forces.
He urged the district administration to solve the problems of ex-servicemen on priority basis. He promised to improve the canteen facility and respond positively to the demands of the ex-servicemen.
Khanna handed over a cheque for Rs 5 lakh from Southern Command towards the welfare fund of ex-servicemen. Retired Lieutenant General B C Nanda honoured Pradeep Khanna by handing over ‘Odikathi,’ a traditional sword of Kodavas. Earlier, Kodagu District Ex-Servicemen Association President B A Karyappa spoke about the various problems faced by the ex-servicemen. Sub Area Commandant Brig Ravindranath, Brig B K Pradhan, DC Ashwathnarayana Gowda, SP Manjunath Annigeri, Retired colonel N K Appayya and others were present.