₹96 Crore Infrastructure Boost Planned for Wenlock District Hospital
In a major push to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure in Karnataka, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced that Wenlock District Hospital will be upgraded into a regional multi-speciality hospital.
The announcement was made during the foundation stone laying ceremony for a new Outpatient Department (OPD) block at the hospital. The new OPD facility is expected to be constructed at an estimated cost of nearly ₹70 crore. Several additional development projects were also inaugurated during the event.
Senior Officials Attend Foundation Ceremony
The inaugural programme was attended by Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, MLC Ivan D’Souza, District Hospital Superintendent Dr D.S. Shivaprakash, and DHO Dr H.R. Thimmaiah.
According to reports, the Health Minister said that the hospital would receive an investment of ₹96 crore through Kasturba Medical College for infrastructure development. Discussions are currently underway regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Karnataka government and KMC.
New MoU to Strengthen Government Healthcare Services
As part of the proposed agreement, KMC is expected to support the hospital by providing additional infrastructure, manpower, and construction assistance wherever required.
The minister further stated that the Health Department has already signed MoUs with medical colleges in the district to improve healthcare services for economically weaker patients in government hospitals.
He defended the government’s collaboration with private medical colleges and criticised opposition from certain organisations.
Free Advanced Treatment for Poor Patients
Speaking at the event, Rao said that agreements with private medical colleges would help poor patients receive advanced healthcare services free of cost.
He added that such collaborations are aimed at improving medical facilities in community health centres and government hospitals across the region.
The minister also appealed to groups opposing these agreements to discuss their concerns directly with the government instead of protesting publicly.
Four New Care Centres for Endosulfan Victims Announced
In another significant announcement, the Health Minister revealed that four additional care centres for Endosulfan victims will be established in Dakshina Kannada district.
Currently, the district has two such centres providing specialised care and support to affected patients. The expansion is expected to improve healthcare accessibility and rehabilitation services for victims suffering from long-term health complications linked to Endosulfan exposure.
