Government to Study Feasibility of District Hospital at Hattikeri, Says Minister U T Khader
Health Minister says the government will assess the site before deciding on a new district hospital or upgrading the existing primary health centre.
Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister and Uttara Kannada District in charge Minister U T Khader said the government will conduct a detailed study to determine whether Hattikeri is a suitable location for a district hospital. If the proposal is found feasible, further steps will be taken to establish the facility. Otherwise, the existing Primary Health Centre will be upgraded with the required infrastructure and services.
The minister visited the Hattikeri Primary Health Centre on Saturday following a request from Ankola MLA Satish Sail. During the visit, he inspected the available land and existing facilities and held discussions with officials and local residents.
Khader said the government would seriously consider establishing a district hospital at Hattikeri if the location proves to be easily accessible for patients from different parts of Uttara Kannada district. If the site is not found suitable, the Primary Health Centre will be developed into a better equipped healthcare facility.
The minister also reviewed the shortage of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff after receiving a report from Medical Officer Dr Archana Nayak. He assured that necessary steps would be taken to address the staffing shortage.
To improve emergency medical services, Khader directed district health officials to provide an ambulance for the benefit of people from more than 30 villages in the Hattikeri region.
Appealing to the public to make greater use of government healthcare services, the minister said treatment is available free of cost in government hospitals. He added that patients requiring specialised care beyond the capacity of the Primary Health Centre can be referred to taluk and district hospitals.
Khader also warned that negligence in any government department would not be tolerated and said strict action would be taken against officials who fail to perform their duties responsibly.
During the visit, Janashakti Vedike President Madhav Nayak submitted a memorandum highlighting Hattikeri’s geographical advantages and urged the government to establish the district hospital there. Block Congress President Manjeshwar Nayak also requested the minister to fill the vacancy for a gynaecologist at the Ankola Taluk Hospital.
The minister interacted with a woman who had come to the hospital for treatment and enquired about the availability of medicines and medical services. The patient appreciated the services of Medical Officer Dr Archana Nayak.
Khader said the government is ready to recruit more doctors and would also provide opportunities for retired doctors who are willing to continue serving. He added that appointments would be processed quickly when new doctors apply.
MLA Satish Sail, DCC President Sai Gandkar, Block Congress President Manjeshwar Nayak, Assistant Commissioner Shravan Kumar, district and taluk health officials, Congress leaders, hospital staff, and members of the public were present during the visit.