Udupi: MLA Yashpal A Suvarna has urged the Health Minister to inspect the newly constructed Udupi District Hospital by November 15 and announce a definite date for its inauguration, demanding that the facility be opened to the public only after ensuring that all essential medical facilities are in place.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Suvarna expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in making the hospital operational, despite the completion of most of its construction work. He said that a fully equipped district hospital had been a long-standing demand of the people of Udupi.
He pointed out that 28 years had passed since Udupi district was carved out of Dakshina Kannada, but the district was still waiting for a fully functional, well-equipped government hospital.
Hospital building completed, but services yet to begin
Construction of the new District Hospital began in 2021, and the building was largely completed by 2023. However, it has not yet been opened for public service.
Suvarna said the issue had been brought to the government’s attention repeatedly over the past three and a half years through personal representations, written communications and discussions during legislative sessions.
He added that several appeals had been submitted to the former and present Chief Ministers, the Health Minister and the Minister in charge of the district. However, no clear decision on the commencement of hospital operations had been announced.
Objection to shifting old hospital equipment
The proposed relocation of equipment from the existing hospital to the new building has also raised concerns.
According to Suvarna, beds, cupboards and other items that are around 30 years old, dilapidated and rusted were being moved to the new six-storey, 250-bed hospital.
He said the process of shifting the old equipment had been temporarily halted following objections, as the new facility should not be made operational without providing adequate infrastructure and medical equipment.
The MLA stressed that the hospital should be equipped with new, high-quality furniture, modern medical equipment and the necessary technical infrastructure in accordance with the original plan.
Demand for modern medical facilities and staff
Suvarna called for essential facilities such as MRI, CT scanning, digital X-ray, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and ventilators to be installed before the hospital begins functioning.
He also demanded that the government sanction and fill the required posts, including those of doctors, medical specialists, nurses and technical staff.
He said the hospital should provide comprehensive healthcare services comparable to those available at other well-equipped district hospitals in Karnataka.
The MLA cautioned that a building constructed at a cost of several crores of rupees should not remain incapable of delivering the expected healthcare services because of inadequate equipment, infrastructure or staff.
November 15 deadline for minister’s inspection
Suvarna said the matter had already been brought to the attention of the Minister for Health and Family Welfare. He urged the minister to visit and inspect the new hospital by November 15, keeping in mind the health and well-being of people in the district.
He also sought a clear assurance on the inauguration date and a time-bound action plan covering the installation of medical equipment, provision of furniture, completion of infrastructure and recruitment of staff.
He warned that if the government failed to provide a clear assurance within the stipulated timeframe, an intensified protest involving people across the district would become inevitable.
BJP leaders Dinesh Amin, Prabhakar Poojary, Dinakar Babu, Raju Kulal, Girish Anchan and Jagadish Acharya were present at the press conference.