Centre silent on AIIMS Raichur demand

Hubballi

Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil has criticized the Union government for not responding to Karnataka’s repeated requests to establish an AIIMS in Raichur. He stated that the state government, along with opposition leaders led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, made several appeals without any political bias. “All opposition leaders, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, without any party affiliation, to establish the AIIMS, however, it is not clear why the central govt is hesitating over the announcement,” Patil said.

Speaking on reports of medicine shortages at Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMC-RI), Patil clarified, “There is no shortage of medicines in any govt hospital in the state.” He added that a meeting in Belagavi addressed this issue and that institutions have the freedom to procure medicines independently. “Sometimes, if there is a technical delay due to the bidding and tendering, action will be taken,” he noted.

Patil praised KMC-RI for providing quality healthcare, especially to cancer patients. “Even though the highest number of patients come to KMC-RI after Bengaluru in the state, they are still receiving good treatment,” he said. The hospital now offers chemotherapy, radiation, and newly introduced brachytherapy.

He inaugurated several facilities at KMC-RI Hubli, including a diagnostic digital lab, modular operation theatres, a sports complex, and a brachytherapy unit. Patil also mentioned ongoing projects supported by both state and central government funds, such as hostels, an IVF unit, and a human milk bank.