Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Jul 13: The taluk public government hospital is giving stiff competition to private hospitals in the taluk due to its many specialties. In an environment, where people do not have good feeling about government hospitals, 10,684 out patients get treated in this hospital. On an average, more than 100 deliveries take place in this hospital. But there was lack of space in the hospital. Dr G Shankar, sponsor of G Shankar Family Trust saw the need and got a 100-bed capacity, well-equipped, building by the name Srimati Laxmi Soma Bangera Maternity Ward constructed.

In 2007, G Shankar had constructed a 30-bed maternity ward and donated to the hospital. Dr G Shankar, who saw that this ward is becoming small as people from different parts of the district as well as from places like Bhatkal and Shivamogga are arriving to this hospital for delivery, took a decision to build a separate, fully equipped maternity ward. When he brought this to the notice of the medical officers of the hospital, they proposed to build the new building in the same place as the old building. After obtaining government approval, the work of the new building began in 2017.

Now a beautiful structure with three storeys, fully-equipped has come up at a cost of Rs six crore. The building is built in a high tech way that it is possible to install latest and modern equipment. The new Srimati Laxmi Soma Bangera ward is attracting everyone's attention with its modern elevator facility, windows that allow sufficient light and air, connection to the old hospital and a beautiful entrance door that is carved from wood.

In the new facility, in addition to 100 beds, there is pre-maternity health care section, post-operative ward, operation theatre etc are there. There is large open space in the building for the movement of stretchers, trolleys and wheel chairs.

G Shankar Family Trust, which is giving more emphasis for health and education, has given many gifts to the hospital. The maternity ward that the trust donated in 2007 was lauded by one and all. Now the 100-bed facility is an important gift for the entire taluk of Kundapur. The religious rituals of the new maternity ward were held on July 8. It will be handed over to the hospital authorities soon and will be available for the use of the public.

Dr Robert Rebello, medical officer of the hospital says, "An appeal is sent to the government to convert this hospital for both mother and child (NCH). If this is granted, we will get more personnel. As we do not have doctors for scanning, the same is done through private contract and the amount is reimbursed by the government. In the new building it will be possible to provide more service to the patients due to the latest equipment."

On an average, in this hospital, more than 10,000 patients get treated every month. Nearly 1,000 inpatients are getting treated. There is an ICU with three beds, a five-bed dialysis centre, emergency and surgery facilities are offered here. A six-bed special children treatment unit is approved by the government. Radiant Warmers and photo therapy units are also there in this hospital. A rehabilitation centre for malnourished children is also functioning from here. There is E-hospital facility of sending digital X-ray to the computer of doctor.