Moodbidri: A Hospital on the outskirts of Moodbidri for Beedi workers seems to be functioning for the last 30 years in a facilities vacuum. The hospital run by the central government desperately needs to be upgraded. It was meant for beedi workers and is situated 2 km away from Moodbidri town. Sadly it still functions from a rented building.
According to medical officer as many as 40 beedi workers get treatment here in this Beedi Karmika Kalyana Nidhi hospital. “We have arranged a mobile treatment unit facility on 4 days in the week, barring Monday and Saturday for the workers in the rural areas. 14,000 beedi workers have received health cards at this hospital. Presently we have a medical officer, a nurse, and a driver. A total 5 people serve in the hospital”.
CITU general secretary Ramani, speaking to this reporter said, this beedi workers hospital needs a face lift and up gradation of facilities. Even though they get treatment for small diseases, there is no treatment for major diseases like heart related diseases, which make them rely on other hospitals. Our association has spread awareness of this hospital among the workers, yet, many are not keen on being treated here as the facilities are limited”.
If the hospital is not upgraded and moved to its own building, it will remain unnoticed, she said.
On the other hand, there are other endemic factors that drive away patients. Cleanliness is not maintained. The grounds are unkempt, and the possibility of rodents and reptiles entering the premises is high. Ramani who is also a Municipal member has urged Municipality president Roopa S Shetty to improve the cleanliness in the hospital.
