During the Legislative Assembly session, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna pressed the state health minister to release pending funds for the completion of the new Udupi District Hospital and to ensure top-quality healthcare for residents.
Launched in December 2021, the hospital project is in its final phase but has been slowed by design changes and added facilities not in the original blueprint. While the government approved ₹115 crore and awarded the tender at ₹110.24 crore, key costs were excluded — including ₹20.42 crore GST, ₹18.44 crore for price escalation, and ₹9.50 crore for other critical works. In total, an extra ₹48.36 crore is required, with the revised proposal awaiting approval.
Suvarna also urged the sanctioning of medical and non-medical posts, backed by a submitted staffing plan. Additionally, he flagged a ₹30 crore request for advanced medical equipment and raised concern over Ayushman Bharat benefit disruptions due to Health Department server issues.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao assured that the cabinet would soon clear the revised budget, fast-track staff appointments, and fix the technical glitches affecting Ayushman Bharat services.