Mysuru: The Karnataka state government’s pledge of Rs 155 crore for enhancing healthcare services in Mysuru remains unmet. In the 2023–24 budget, presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in July 2023, funds were earmarked for establishing super speciality services, trauma care centres, and a new unit of the Kidwai Institute of Oncology in Mysuru. However, these funds have yet to be released.
The budget proposal included Rs 20 crore for setting up Kidwai Institute of Oncology units in Mysuru and Kalaburgi, aimed at providing advanced cancer treatment in these districts. Additionally, Rs 155 crore was allocated to start super speciality services and trauma care centres in Mysuru, Belagavi, and Gulbarga district hospitals. Despite this, residents seeking high-tech treatments and emergency care are still compelled to travel to Bengaluru due to the lack of such facilities in state-run hospitals.
A trauma care centre was also established on the PKTB premises in Mysuru. However, it requires Rs 12 crore more for necessary upgrades, including additional staff and equipment, but these funds have not been released yet.
Dr. KR Dakshayini, Dean and Director of Mysore Medical College and Research Centre (MMCRI), confirmed that no official communication has been received regarding the release of funds. Former Mayor Arif Hussein, a close associate of Siddaramaiah, has called on the government to expedite the release of funds to improve healthcare services in Mysuru, particularly for the underprivileged.