Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (NP)
Udupi, Jul 12: Karnataka health minister U T Khader conducted a surprise visit to the District Hospital, the mother and Child Hospital on Sunday to review healthcare services, infrastructure, and the availability of medical staff.
During the inspection, the minister interacted with hospital authorities, doctors, and senior officials to assess the functioning of the government healthcare institutions. He later held a district-level review meeting with the district administration, health department officials, and taluk health officers to discuss the development of healthcare facilities across the district.
Addressing the media, the minister said the state government has sanctioned Rs 28 crore towards human resources and strengthening healthcare services. He noted that the Mother and Child Hospital is equipped with advanced technology and infrastructure, much of which requires specialised maintenance due to the use of imported equipment. Officials have been directed to ensure proper upkeep and timely repairs so that patients continue to receive uninterrupted services.
The minister announced that a comprehensive meeting with officials of all government hospitals in the district will be held on July 16 to review hospital infrastructure, staffing requirements, and development works. He said the government will address the shortage of staff and strengthen healthcare delivery wherever necessary.
He observed that government hospitals provide treatment free of cost and have adequate facilities in many areas, yet a section of the public continues to prefer private hospitals. Efforts will be made to improve public confidence in government healthcare institutions by enhancing the quality of services, he added.
Regarding the newly constructed District Hospital building, the minister said that once it becomes fully operational, patients from the existing hospital will be shifted to the new facility. The old District Hospital building will not be abandoned but will instead be utilised for emergency healthcare services and other public medical needs.
Udupi deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K; Block Congress Committee president Ramesh Kanchan; chairman of the KPCC Campaign Committee, Vinay Kumar Sorake; Karnataka State Coastal Development Authority president M A Gafoor; chairman of the Udupi Urban Development Authority, Dinakar Heroor; Hariprasad Rai and others were present.