Capacity Expansion Needed Amid Patient Rush
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday made a surprise visit to the state-run Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru, accompanied by Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil. The CM stressed the urgent need to increase the hospital’s capacity, citing a heavy influx of patients from across the country.
Overcrowding and Free Treatment
Siddaramaiah said Victoria Hospital’s popularity for free treatment is adding pressure on doctors and staff. “People from across the country come here. There is overcrowding, so capacity must be increased,” he told reporters. He urged medical teams to treat patients with compassion and assured that strict instructions had been given to prevent anyone from taking money from patients.
High-Cost Procedures Offered Free
Highlighting the hospital’s services, Siddaramaiah noted that liver transplants costing ₹40–50 lakh in private hospitals are done free of cost at Victoria. Currently, the gastroenterology department has 120 beds, with a proposal to expand to 300, which the government will consider.
Positive Patient Feedback
During his visit, Siddaramaiah interacted with patients, including some from Bihar, who praised the doctors’ care and the quality of food provided.
Ambulance Service Issues
When reporters pointed out that private ambulance operators were allegedly exploiting patients due to the unavailability of government ambulances, the CM said people could dial 108 for government services. Minister Patil added that the 108 services would be restarted soon.
Visit to Vani Vilas Hospital
The CM also visited Vani Vilas Hospital, where he noted that more than 40 deliveries take place daily.
