Mangaluru‘s Wenlock District Hospital is on its way to becoming a full-fledged e-hospital, thanks to the support of KMC Hospital. As part of their partnership, KMC has committed to supplying 200 computers to help digitize operations at the largest government hospital in Dakshina Kannada.
This transformation is expected to significantly improve services for thousands of underprivileged patients from nearly 10 surrounding districts who rely on Wenlock for medical care. At a recent meeting of the Arogya Raksha Samiti, chaired by District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, KMC Mangaluru dean Dr. B Unnikrishnan confirmed that the equipment will be provided soon.
Hospital superintendent Dr. DS Shivaprakash noted that the e-hospital initiative had first been proposed during a review meeting held in November 2024.
In addition, plans are underway to enhance diagnostic facilities. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) has shown interest in installing new CT and MRI scan units. Currently, HLL Life Care Ltd operates these facilities at the hospital under an agreement valid until May 2029. However, public complaints regarding scan fees have prompted calls for improvement.
Minister Rao approved the MRPL proposal, stating it would ease financial burdens on poor patients.
The hospital is also preparing to launch new special wards in its surgical block. Single rooms will cost ₹2,000 per day, while shared rooms will range from ₹500 to ₹1,000, depending on occupancy.