Mangaluru: District in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Sunday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Cath Lab and a relocated dialysis unit at Government Wenlock Hospital, marking a milestone in providing advanced healthcare facilities for the poor in Dakshina Kannada.
The new Cath Lab has been established on the ground floor of Wenlock’s newly constructed surgical block, while the upgraded 24-bed dialysis unit has been shifted to the fourth floor. With these facilities, patients will now have access to procedures such as angioplasty and angiogram at the government hospital.
First-of-its-kind facility in government sector
Minister Gundu Rao said the Cath Lab, built at a cost of Rs 5 crore with the support of KMC, is the first of its kind in a government hospital in Karnataka. Specialist doctors and staff from KMC Hospital have already been appointed to run the unit.
“The government will bear the cost of medicines and other expenses. Patients holding BPL cards will receive treatment free of charge,” the minister announced. He further added that steps are being taken at the state level to extend concessions on angiogram procedures, which are currently being charged even for BPL patients.
Expanded dialysis unit
The dialysis unit, earlier housed in the old building, now functions with 24 modern machines in the new block. Supported by private companies including MRPL and KIOCL, the facility will provide free treatment to patients. Since dialysis requires treatment at least twice a week, each machine is capable of handling three to four cycles per day.
Dakshina Kannada district presently has 94 dialysis machines across nine health centres, including new taluk hospitals. Minister Gundu Rao assured that additional machines will be procured using CSR funds if required.
Introduction of peritoneal dialysis
The minister also announced that the government would soon introduce peritoneal dialysis across all districts in Karnataka. Ten patients, especially children in each district, will be selected to benefit from this home-based treatment method.
Nursing students’ stipend issue
Responding to queries on the stipend issue of nursing students at Wenlock, who have reportedly not received payments for the last four years, Minister Gundu Rao assured intervention. He said the matter, pending with the finance section of the Medical Education Department, would be taken up with Medical Education Minister Dr Sharanprakash Patil for an early resolution.
Dignitaries present
MLC Ivan D’Souza, District Health Officer Dr H R Thimmaiah, Wenlock Hospital Superintendent Dr Shivaprakash D S, and other dignitaries were present during the inauguration.
The launch of the Cath Lab and upgraded dialysis unit at Wenlock Hospital is expected to significantly ease the burden on poor patients, offering advanced and life-saving medical care free of cost.