Belagavi: The Karnataka government has announced plans to set up cancer hospitals in five strategic locations across the state to alleviate the burden on patients traveling to Bengaluru for treatment. The initiative was confirmed by Minister for Medical Education, Sharan Prakash Patil, during the Legislative Council session on Monday.
Proposed Locations and Facilities
The hospitals are planned for Karwar, Mandya, Shivamogga, Mysuru, and Tumakuru, with all facilities designed to meet advanced treatment requirements. Minister Patil also highlighted that a 250-bed cancer center in Kalaburagi, established during his previous tenure, has already been sanctioned.
Plans for a similar facility in Belagavi are under consideration, pending the identification of a suitable site. Earlier proposals to build a cancer hospital at the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) have been delayed due to a shortage of land.
Affordable Cancer Care
Minister Patil emphasized that cancer hospitals in the state provide free treatment to Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders, while Above Poverty Line (APL) patients are charged a nominal 30% fee. Efforts are underway to ensure that district and taluk hospitals offer quality treatment and essential facilities.
Broader Healthcare Initiatives
In related developments, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, recently launched a book authored by Vasundhara Raghavan, CEO of the Kidney Warriors Foundation. The book delves into the rising incidence of kidney disease, gaps in healthcare delivery, and government strategies for early intervention and management.
This comprehensive push underscores Karnataka’s focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and addressing critical medical needs statewide.
