Karkala
A Congress delegation has urged Health Minister U T Khader to take immediate steps to address problems at the Karkala Government Hospital and upgrade healthcare centres in the taluk.
The delegation submitted a memorandum to Khader at the Congress office in Karkala, highlighting several issues faced by patients and the public. The leaders sought urgent intervention to improve hospital services and ensure that people receive timely and reliable medical care.
The memorandum pointed out that a new, well-equipped hospital building was constructed at a cost of Rs 9 crore during Siddaramaiah’s tenure as Chief Minister, when Khader was serving as Health Minister. However, the delegation alleged that shortcomings in the maintenance and management of the facility had resulted in difficulties for patients.
One of the major concerns raised was the absence of doctors for emergency treatment during night hours. The delegation also highlighted shortages of doctors and other staff in the paediatric, scanning and X-ray departments.
The Congress leaders further said that the availability of doctors was inadequate on government holidays, creating additional difficulties for people seeking medical treatment. They urged the Health Minister to take immediate measures to fill staff shortages and strengthen emergency services at the hospital.
The delegation also requested the government to upgrade the health centres at Bajagoli and Ajekar in Karkala taluk. In addition, it sought increased financial assistance for the health centre at Dodderangadi to improve its infrastructure and services.
The Congress leaders said strengthening healthcare infrastructure at the taluk level would reduce the need for residents to travel long distances to access specialised medical services.
Congress leader Uday Shetty and block president Shubhada Rao submitted the memorandum. Hebri block president Gopinath Bhat, Coastal Development Authority chairman M A Gafoor, Guarantee Committee chairman Ajith Hegde, Campaign Committee president Anil Poojary, Mahila Congress president Bhanu Bhaskar, INTUC district president Kiran Hegde, KMF director Sudhakar Shetty, Prithviraj Jain and Sadananda Poojary were among those present.
BOX
Congress delegation demands hospital upgrades
Congress leaders submitted a memorandum highlighting severe staff shortages, night emergency doctor absences, and poor maintenance at a hospital. They urged the Health Minister to fill vacancies, upgrade specific health centres, and improve infrastructure.


