Activists from the 'Save Government Hospitals Struggle Committee' staged a significant public demonstration at Ganjimath Junction in Surathkal on Monday. The protest aimed to press the state government for a community hospital in Gurupur Hobli, the establishment of specialized units of Kidwai, Jayadeva, and NIMHANS hospitals in Mangaluru, and a broader strengthening of existing government healthcare facilities.
Addressing the gathering, CPM District Secretary Muneer Katipalla asserted that the state government's concern for Kambala buffaloes far outweighs its regard for the common people of the district. He accused the administration of attempting to appease coastal residents by organizing Kambala competitions at Mysore Dasara, while deliberately sidelining crucial demands like new hospital units in Mangaluru and improved public health infrastructure. Katipalla highlighted that while Jayadeva, Kidwai, and NIMHANS units have been sanctioned for Mysore and Kalburgi, Mangaluru, a vital regional hub, continues to be overlooked. He vociferously stated that the true life questions for coastal people revolve around health, education, and employment, not the grandeur of Kambala.
Katipalla issued a stern warning to Health Minister U.T. Khader, urging him to act decisively. Failure to address these demands, he cautioned, would escalate the struggle for robust government hospitals and the public's right to health across the district.
Sadashiva Das, Convenor of the Struggle Committee, elaborated on the dire healthcare situation in Gurupur Hobli, an expanding industrial zone. He lamented the critical lack of doctors, staff, and essential medicines at primary health centers within the hobli. Das expressed dismay that the proposed upgrade of the Ganjimath Primary Health Centre to a community hospital remains stalled at the proposal stage due to the negligence of local legislators and elected representatives. He further announced plans to extend the agitation for a community hospital to all villages within the hobli.
Several prominent individuals from various organizations were present, including Honnayya Ameen Vamanjoor, Babu Salian Thiruvalu, Ashok Vamanjoor, Ananda Poojary Iruvailu, Yashoda Malali, social workers Bava Padarangi, Sheena Naik, Ravindra Shettigar Muchchoor, Janardhana Gowda Edapadavu, Dinesh Iruvailu, Rajesh Naik, Bhoja Iruvailu, Gopala Moolya, Varija Kuppepadavu, and Kusuma Kuppepadavu.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK