Mangaluru: Deputy commissioner (DC) H V Darshan has directed officials to make the newly established cath lab at Wenlock District Hospital operational at the earliest to provide advanced cardiac care to the public.
Chairing the Health Protection Committee meeting at Wenlock Hospital on Thursday, the DC said that the cath lab, located on the ground floor of the new surgical building, is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, specialist doctors, and technical staff provided by KMC. “The facility is fully prepared, and steps must be taken to make it functional without delay,” he instructed.
New dialysis ward and critical care block
The DC further informed that the construction of a 35-bed dialysis ward at Wenlock Hospital has been completed, with only minor finishing work pending. He also emphasised the timely completion of the new Critical Care Block, which is expected to significantly strengthen emergency healthcare facilities in the district.
During the meeting, he underlined the importance of accountability, directing that doctors’ attendance at Wenlock Hospital should be regularly monitored to ensure their availability during duty hours.
Road widening and hospital accessibility
On the issue of access to the hospital, the DC instructed the Mangaluru City Corporation commissioner to take immediate measures to widen the Wenlock–Milagres road. Improved road access, he said, would benefit patients and visitors, especially during emergencies.
Rs 70 crore sanctioned for new OPD block
In a major development, the government has sanctioned Rs 70 crore for the construction of a new OPD block at Wenlock Hospital. It was decided that all departments functioning in the existing OPD block will be shifted temporarily to the Trauma Block to facilitate the relocation and construction.
Parking and patient services
The meeting also approved a temporary paid parking facility on 2.71 acres of vacant land owned by Wenlock Hospital at Attavar village. In addition, approval was given to purchase electric buggy vehicles to supply food to patients across different hospital blocks.
Superintendents Dr Shivaprakash (Wenlock) and Dr Durga Prasad (Lady Goschen) presented hospital updates at the meeting. The review was also attended by Zilla Panchayat CEO Narvade Vinayak Karbari, MCC commissioner Ravichandra, DCP Ravishankar, district health officer Dr Timmaiah, KMC dean Unnikrishnan, and others.
Conclusion: Strengthening public healthcare
The directives by the DC reflect a focused approach to improving health infrastructure in Dakshina Kannada. From advanced facilities like the cath lab and critical care block to essential services such as dialysis and OPD expansion, Wenlock Hospital is poised to play a stronger role in delivering comprehensive healthcare.