New Udupi District Hospital to Begin Operations Soon: U.T. Khader
Minister says existing facilities will be retained alongside new additions; responds to MLA Yashpal Suvarna, saying protests are easy, but resolving problems is difficult
Udupi: Preparations are underway to begin operations at the new Udupi District Hospital, and a tender has already been floated for the purchase of furniture and equipment. Additional manpower will be required, and the matter has also been brought to the attention of the Chief Minister, Health Minister U.T. Khader said.
Speaking in Udupi, Khader said shifting the existing District Hospital to the new building was unavoidable. All facilities currently available at the old hospital would be retained, along with additional facilities in the new building. He stressed that the government healthcare system must function effectively and that implementing the new arrangements would take some time.
“It is not appropriate to raise objections when the hospital is at the stage of commencing operations. The government is aware of both the problems faced by the public and the administrative challenges involved,” he said.
Responding to Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna’s statement that he would launch a protest if the new District Hospital was not opened, Khader said staging protests was easy, but resolving problems was difficult.
“Do people elect MLAs merely to stage protests? They expect their representatives to resolve problems. It is not appropriate to go looking for problems. When an issue arises, it is the responsibility of an elected representative to bring officials together and find a solution,” he said.
The state government was providing essential facilities to the public and had allocated the necessary funds for development works, Khader said. However, he pointed out that the allocation of funds alone would not guarantee the completion of every project, as several other requirements, including adequate human resources, also had to be addressed.
A request had been submitted to the Chief Minister regarding staff recruitment for the new District Hospital. He added that the state government was committed to supporting the state’s development.
Clarifying the Chief Minister’s remarks on payments due to sugarcane farmers, Khader said the Chief Minister had meant that the state government could not assume the financial responsibilities of the Central Government.
The Chief Minister had questioned whether the state government could be expected to take on the Centre’s responsibilities, he explained.
On the issue of displaying treatment charges in private hospitals, Khader questioned whether hospitals should do so only when government officials visit and issue warnings.
“Do private hospitals not have a social responsibility? The hospital associations themselves should instruct their member hospitals to display their rate cards,” he said.
He stressed that rate cards should be displayed prominently and clearly so that patients could easily read them. Charges for major treatments and other services should be clearly listed.
While acknowledging the contribution of private hospitals to the healthcare sector, he said patients must be given clear information about treatment costs in advance.
Khader expressed opposition to allowing foreign investment in the healthcare sector. He said increased foreign investment could ultimately raise the financial burden on ordinary patients and make healthcare services less affordable for the general public.