Udupi: Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader conducted a surprise inspection of the District Hospital and the Mother and Child Hospital in Udupi on Sunday, reviewing healthcare services, infrastructure and the availability of medical staff. During the visit, he announced that the state government has sanctioned Rs 28 crore to strengthen human resources and improve healthcare services.
The minister also held a district-level review meeting with officials and said a comprehensive review of all government hospitals in the district would be conducted on July 16 to assess infrastructure, staffing and development requirements.
Surprise inspection of hospitals
During the visit, Khader inspected various departments at the District Hospital and the Mother and Child Hospital to assess the quality of healthcare services being provided.
He interacted with hospital administrators, doctors and senior officials to understand the functioning of the institutions and review the availability of medical personnel and infrastructure.
Following the inspection, the minister chaired a district-level review meeting attended by district administration officials, health department authorities and taluk health officers to discuss the status of healthcare services across Udupi district.
Rs 28 crore sanctioned to strengthen healthcare
Addressing the media after the review, Khader said the Karnataka government has sanctioned Rs 28 crore towards strengthening human resources and improving healthcare services.
He said the funding would help address staffing requirements and enhance the overall functioning of government healthcare institutions.
The minister added that the government is committed to improving public healthcare infrastructure and ensuring quality medical services across the district.
Focus on maintenance of advanced equipment
Khader noted that the Mother and Child Hospital is equipped with advanced medical technology and modern infrastructure.
He said much of the equipment installed at the hospital has been imported and requires specialised maintenance to ensure uninterrupted functioning.
The minister directed officials to ensure timely repairs and proper maintenance so that patients continue to receive quality healthcare services without disruption.
Review meeting scheduled on July 16
The minister announced that a detailed meeting with officials from all government hospitals in Udupi district will be held on July 16.
The meeting will focus on reviewing hospital infrastructure, assessing staff shortages and monitoring the progress of ongoing development works.
Khader said the government would take necessary steps to fill vacant posts and strengthen healthcare delivery wherever required.
Improving confidence in government hospitals
The minister observed that government hospitals provide treatment free of cost and are equipped with adequate facilities in many areas.
However, he noted that many people still prefer private hospitals despite the availability of quality services in government institutions.
He said the government aims to improve public confidence in government hospitals by enhancing service quality, strengthening infrastructure and ensuring better patient care.
Old district hospital to serve emergency needs
Speaking about the newly constructed District Hospital building, Khader said patients from the existing District Hospital would be shifted once the new facility becomes fully operational.
He clarified that the old hospital building would not be abandoned. Instead, it would continue to be utilised for emergency healthcare services and other public medical needs.
The minister said this would ensure optimal use of existing infrastructure while expanding healthcare services in the district.
Udupi Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T K, Block Congress Committee President Ramesh Kanchan, KPCC Campaign Committee Chairman Vinay Kumar Sorake, Karnataka State Coastal Development Authority President M A Gafoor, Udupi Urban Development Authority Chairman Dinakar Heroor, Hariprasad Rai and other officials were present during the visit.