Mangaluru: A massive 12-hour public protest was staged in Surathkal on Monday, demanding the immediate upgrade of the Surathkal Primary Health Centre (PHC) into a full-fledged community hospital. The agitation, organised by the Save Govt Hospital Action Committee, Surathkal, witnessed strong participation from public organisations, local associations, activists, and residents, who came together to highlight what they describe as a long-standing neglect of government healthcare facilities in the region.
Committee coordinator Muneer Katipalla inaugurated the protest and delivered a strong address, recalling the significant services once provided by the Surathkal PHC. He said that three decades ago, the centre operated 24×7, offered maternity services, and served as a crucial health facility for thousands of residents.
“Today, the PHC is restricted to children’s vaccinations and functions largely as a learning centre for private medical college students. It does not even have full-time doctors. By 4 pm, the health centre closes,” he said.
He accused private hospital interests of influencing healthcare policies in Dakshina Kannada district. “Government health centres are being weakened by the strong private medical lobby, and local legislators are not prioritising these issues. Unless people unite and fight together, the public health system cannot be strengthened,” he added. Katipalla said the protest movement would continue until a community hospital is sanctioned for Surathkal.
Public voices highlight healthcare gaps
The protest attracted several prominent social activists, theatre personalities and community leaders.
Theatre artiste Geetha Surathkal, who participated in the gathering, said that access to healthcare is a fundamental right for every citizen. She emphasised that an upgraded community hospital would greatly benefit women, children and vulnerable communities in Surathkal.
Sadashiva Padubidri, district coordinator of the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti, pointed out that Dalits and economically weaker sections struggle to afford treatment in private hospitals. “Existing government hospitals lack services and beds. If we do not fight for government hospitals now, the future of the poor and marginalised is bleak,” he said.
Social activist Y Raghavendra Rao echoed similar concerns and criticised elected representatives. “No political leaders are responding to the cries of common people. This is why a large-scale protest is necessary to ensure that the Surathkal community hospital becomes a reality,” he said.
Officials accept memorandum
A team of health department officials led by Taluk Health Officer Dr Sujay Bhandari visited the protest venue during the demonstration. They received a formal memorandum listing the demands and concerns raised by the participants.
Representatives from various organisations, including DYFI district president BK Imthiyaz, secretary Santhosh Bajal, and other local leaders, were also part of the protest.
Long-standing demand for better healthcare
Residents of Surathkal have long demanded the upgradation of the PHC, citing population growth, increased health needs, and inadequate government facilities. Despite repeated appeals, protesters say the authorities have failed to take concrete steps.
The Save Govt Hospital Action Committee emphasises that a community hospital is essential for reducing dependence on private institutions, ensuring timely emergency care, and offering affordable medical services to lakhs of people living in Surathkal and nearby areas.
As the protest concluded, the organisers reiterated their commitment to continue the struggle until the state government makes a formal announcement approving the hospital upgrade. They insisted that public health must be prioritised above private sector interests, especially in semi-urban regions like Surathkal.