UDUPI: The Tulu Nadu Rakshana Vedike has warned of an intense protest if old hospital beds, scanning machines and operating theatre equipment are installed at the newly constructed district hospital in Udupi. The organisation has demanded that the ₹110-crore, 250-bed facility be equipped with new medical equipment and adequate staff before patient services begin.

Speaking on the issue, the organisation’s district president, Frankie D’Souza, questioned the proposed transfer of equipment from the existing hospital to the new building. He said the facility had been constructed at a substantial cost to improve healthcare services for people across the district, particularly those from economically weaker and middle-income families.

Demand for modern medical equipment

D’Souza expressed concern over the reported shifting of old hospital beds and other equipment to the new facility. He questioned the purpose of investing crores of rupees in a modern hospital building if the same old equipment was to be reused without ensuring the availability of the required medical facilities.

He said patients visiting a new district hospital should be able to expect appropriate healthcare infrastructure and reliable treatment services. According to him, installing old equipment could undermine public expectations surrounding the long-awaited project.

The organisation has urged the authorities to ensure that the hospital receives suitable medical equipment before it is opened for public use.

Staff recruitment remains a concern

The Vedike also raised concerns about the appointment of doctors, nurses, technicians and other essential personnel. D’Souza said recruitment had not been completed and questioned the move to proceed with the hospital’s inauguration before the necessary arrangements were in place.

He urged the district administration not to rush the opening merely to complete a formal inauguration. Instead, the authorities should ensure that the hospital is operationally ready to provide the services expected of a 250-bed district facility.

Adequate staffing is essential for the functioning of hospital departments, diagnostic services and operating theatres. The organisation said these requirements should be addressed alongside the installation of medical equipment.

Appeal to health minister and district in-charge minister

The Tulu Nadu Rakshana Vedike said it would submit a representation to the district in-charge minister and the state health minister, seeking intervention in the matter.

The organisation has called for the completion of pending works, recruitment of the required staff and installation of new medical equipment before the hospital begins full-scale patient services.

D’Souza warned that the organisation would launch a satyagraha if its demands were not addressed. He said the authorities should prioritise patients’ health and safety rather than focus only on opening the building.

Public expectations remain high

The new district hospital is expected to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure in Udupi and improve access to treatment for residents who rely on government hospitals. The organisation said the facility should be made fully functional so that patients can benefit from the investment made in the project.

The concerns over old equipment and staffing add to the wider debate about ensuring that the hospital has the infrastructure required for its intended capacity. Earlier reports have also highlighted concerns about shifting equipment from the existing hospital before all the necessary facilities are in place.

The district administration and health department will need to clarify the equipment procurement and staffing arrangements to address public concerns. The Vedike has reiterated that the new hospital should begin full-scale services only after the necessary equipment, personnel and infrastructure are ready.