Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur
Kundapura, Oct 26: In a major boost to healthcare access in rural and urban areas, KMC Hospital, Mangaluru, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Emergency and Trauma Care Unit at Shri Sai Hospital, Kundapura. The centre was formally inaugurated by Dr Jayakar Shetty, vice-chancellor of Bangalore University.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Shetty emphasised the critical role of emergency services in rapidly developing regions like Kundapura. “Expanding emergency and trauma care is a vital step in saving lives. Timely medical intervention and access to advanced treatment in emergencies can make the difference between life and death,” he said.
Udupi District superintendent of police Hariram Shankar highlighted the prevalence of road accidents in the region. “With the availability of cutting-edge emergency treatment, countless lives can be saved. The traffic barricades provided by KMC Hospital also play a significant role in enhancing road safety,” he added.
The inauguration was attended by several dignitaries including Ashok Bhandage, regional head of Union Bank of India; Dr Jithu Radhakrishnan, KMC Hospital’s emergency medical advisor and cluster head; Rakesh, Senior Marketing Manager at KMC Hospital, Mangalore; Dr Premanand, Kundapura Taluk Health Officer; and Dr Balakrishna Shetty, President of IMA Kundapura.
Dr Jithu Radhakrishnan said KMC Hospital has successfully operated emergency centres in Puttur, Kakkinge, Belthangady, and Kerala, handling heart attacks, shock, injuries, poisoning, and paediatric emergencies.
“The launch of the Kundapura centre will strengthen the region’s life-saving healthcare infrastructure. Immediate, skilled emergency care will improve recovery rates, and patients needing advanced treatment will be referred to higher medical facilities for comprehensive multidisciplinary care,” he said.
Dr Ranjan Shetty, director of the new medical centre, Kundapura, welcomed the initiative. “We are delighted to host the KMC Hospital emergency medical team. Their expertise will immensely benefit the people of Kundapura and surrounding areas. Shock, heart attacks, poisoning, paediatric emergencies, and road accidents are common here. This partnership will not only strengthen emergency response but also elevate the quality of community healthcare services,” he stated.
Rakesh, senior marketing manager at KMC Hospital, Mangaluru, emphasised the impact on neighbouring rural areas. “This collaboration is a milestone for healthcare in Kundapura, Byndoor, Kollur, Sastan, Saligrama, Tekkatte, Kumbashi, Thalluru, and Bhatkal. Extending KMC Hospital’s emergency expertise to Shri Sai Hospital will provide rural communities with rapid access to high-quality emergency care,” he said.
The event concluded with prayers led by Suhas Mallya, a vote of thanks by Dr Prakruti, and was conducted by journalist Rajesh K C.