The Karnataka Health Department is set to ensure that all taluk-level government hospitals have a minimum of two gynaecologists, two anaesthetists, and two paediatricians each, addressing the uneven distribution of medical specialists across the state.
Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao, speaking at the Arogya Raksha Samiti meeting of Government Wenlock District Hospital, stated that some facilities face acute shortages while others have more doctors than needed. To tackle this, the department will reallocate specialists from underutilized hospitals and Community Health Centres (CHCs) to taluk hospitals that need more support.
“When we offer dependable services, citizens will prefer public hospitals,” he said, emphasizing the goal of making quality healthcare accessible at all taluk hospitals.
Focusing on Wenlock District Hospital, the minister proposed creating a master development plan in consultation with the deputy commissioner and healthcare experts. He assured that the government would fund the hospital’s expansion and called for a comprehensive project estimate.
Regarding the proposed Outpatient Department (OPD) Complex, he directed officials to complete all pre-construction work quickly. He suggested that the foundation stone could be laid on November 1, during Kannada Rajyotsava.
Dr DS Shivaprakash, superintendent of Wenlock Hospital, said plans are underway to celebrate the institution’s 175th anniversary from September 14 to November 9, in collaboration with Lady Goschen Hospital and KMC alumni, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah likely to attend the closing ceremony.
The minister recommended initiating preparations through a meeting with the district administration.