Skipping quarantine as have to ensure medicine supply across country: Gowda

After being criticized by the opposition for skipping quarantine rules, Union Minister Sadananda Gowda said that guidelines are applicable to all citizens but he cannot go under quarantine as he has to ensure medical supply in every part of the country.

Bengaluru (Karnataka): After facing flak from the opposition for skipping quarantine rules to contain COVID-19 spread, Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers Sadananda Gowda on Monday said that there are certain exemption clauses for those who hold certain responsible posts, adding that he cannot go under quarantine as he has to ensure medical supply in every part of the country.

"Guidelines are applicable to all citizens, but there are certain exemption clauses, for those who hold certain responsible posts," Gowda told media on being asked about allegations by opposition parties that he did not go to required institutional quarantine after domestic air travel from Delhi to Bengaluru.

"I am a Minister and I am heading Pharmaceutical Ministry. If the supply of medicines and other things is not proper then what doctors can do for patients, is it not a failure of government? It' is my responsibility to ensure the supply of medicines to each corner of the country. Today I have a meeting also with Karnataka deputy chief minister and health minister," he said.

He further said that he has already downloaded the Aarogya Setu mobile app.

Earlier in the day, the BJP MP, who arrived at Bengaluru airport from Delhi and straight away got into his car and drove to his residence. He skipped the institutional quarantine measures as set by the Central government.

Karnataka Director General of Police Praveen Sood said, "Incoming domestic flight passengers from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh will undergo 7-day institutional Quarantine followed by home quarantine."

(ANI Report)