State Health Minister U.T. Khadar arrived in Kapu on Monday to report that essential steps are being taken to launch the new Udupi District Hospital. The visit, part of a broader effort to upgrade health infrastructure across the region, included a briefing for journalists on the progress made so far.
According to the minister, a tender has already been issued for the purchase of furniture required for the hospital. He added that additional human resources are also needed to staff the facility, a point that has been raised with the chief minister.
The project is not limited to Udupi alone. Plans call for the inauguration of hospitals in 45 districts, including Shirasi, and the construction of 22 new primary health centre buildings throughout the state. The minister emphasized that merely erecting structures will not suffice; qualified personnel must be deployed to ensure proper operation.
Officials have scheduled a meeting to address the staffing challenge. In the meantime, the old district hospital will be relocated to the new premises, preserving existing services while introducing upgraded amenities. The minister cautioned that implementing the full range of facilities will require some time, but urged the public to refrain from criticism while the hospital is still in the preparatory stage.
Financial constraints were dismissed by Khadar, who affirmed that the state government possesses the necessary funds to provide all required amenities to citizens. He clarified that while the state can meet its obligations, it cannot cover central‑government subsidies promised to arecanut growers, a matter the chief minister has raised.
Addressing concerns about private hospitals, the minister called for clear price‑list displays, urging the hospitals’ association to ensure that major treatment charges are prominently shown. He warned against foreign investment in the health sector, arguing that such inflows could ultimately increase costs for ordinary patients.
When MLA Yashpal Suvarna threatened a protest if the new district hospital does not open, Khadar responded that protests are easy but solving problems is difficult. He stressed that elected representatives must work collaboratively to resolve issues rather than merely organize demonstrations.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi