Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada unit of the DYFI has submitted a memorandum requesting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to establish a superspecialty government hospital in the district, housing branches of renowned institutions like Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, and NIMHANS.
The appeal was handed over to the CM through deputy commissioner Darshan HV on Tuesday by a team of youth leaders. DYFI district president BK Imthiyaz highlighted the growing burden of cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and neurological and mental health issues in the region. He pointed out that many patients are forced to seek costly treatment in private hospitals due to the lack of advanced care in government facilities.
He criticized the current system under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, stating that in the absence of specialized government facilities, public health funds are being diverted to private hospitals. “Government insurance is benefiting private players while the poor still struggle for timely treatment,” he remarked.
Imthiyaz also expressed frustration over the unfulfilled promise of a government medical college in the district, noting that repeated budget announcements have not been backed by financial allocations.
He urged the state government to act swiftly by setting up branches of Kidwai, Jayadeva, and NIMHANS in Dakshina Kannada, as done in other districts. He also stressed the urgent need to strengthen existing healthcare infrastructure, fill vacancies, and upgrade primary, community, and taluk hospitals in proportion to the population.