Mysuru:
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday inaugurated a 20-bedded Chemotherapy Care Centre at the district hospital in Mysuru, while simultaneously launching similar facilities in 16 other districts across the State. The initiative aims to decentralise cancer treatment and reduce reliance on Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru.
Addressing the gathering, Siddaramaiah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering accessible and quality healthcare, stating that specialised doctors and treatment facilities will now be available closer to patients’ homes.
“With these centres, patients no longer need to travel long distances for chemotherapy. This marks a significant step in ensuring equitable access to cancer treatment,” the CM said.
The new centres were part of the 2023-24 State Budget announcement and include one 20-bedded facility in Mysuru and 10-bedded units in 15 other districts. With over 70,000 new cancer cases reported annually in Karnataka, the government believes these centres will improve early detection, treatment outcomes, and patient comfort.
Siddaramaiah also encouraged citizens to undergo regular health screenings and not to lose hope upon a cancer diagnosis. “Annual full-body checkups can aid in early detection and prevention,” he noted.
Additional Healthcare Initiatives
- MRI scanning facilities will be launched soon at the Mysuru district hospital.
- Dialysis centres have been established in 240 locations across the State.
- The Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences was set up in Mysuru during Siddaramaiah’s previous tenure.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government’s five guarantee schemes are being implemented without bias, benefiting 1.22 crore women and providing free electricity to 1.63 crore households.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao’s Remarks
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao acknowledged the financial burden cancer patients face, especially those from economically weaker sections. He said the new centres would ensure affordability and accessibility, and revealed plans to open a branch of Kidwai Hospital in Mysuru soon.
Support and Future Plans
- MLA K. Harish Gowda credited the CM for transforming Mysuru’s healthcare landscape and called for extending NIMHANS services to address mental health needs.
- Naveen Bhat, Director of the National Health Mission, termed the initiative a milestone in cancer care, announcing a hub-and-spoke model with Kidwai Hospital to enhance specialised care at the district level.
Dignitaries Present
Prominent attendees included:
- Minister H.C. Mahadevappa
- MLCs D. Thimmaiah and Yathindra Siddaramaiah
- Exhibition Authority Chairman Ayub Khan
- Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy
- ZP CEO S. Yukesh Kumar
- Mysuru City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar
Earlier, CM Siddaramaiah toured the Mysuru facility and interacted with patients receiving treatment.
