Shivamogga: Karnataka’s Medical Education Minister, Dr Sharanprakash Patil, announced that in addition to setting up a government medical college in each district, the state will also establish a superspecialty hospital, cancer centre, cardiology hospital, and trauma care centre across districts. The move is aimed at strengthening the public healthcare network and ensuring affordable, high-quality treatment comparable to corporate hospitals.
Plan for Medical Colleges Under PPP Model
The minister recalled that the state is already planning to establish 11 new medical colleges under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model in districts that currently lack government medical colleges. At present, Karnataka has 24 government medical colleges, and the vision is to ensure that every district has its own medical college within 4–5 years.
Focus on Students and Rural Healthcare
Dr Patil explained that his earlier push for district-level medical colleges was motivated by a dual goal: helping meritorious students from rural and economically weaker sections pursue medicine, and ensuring that poor patients receive treatment at teaching hospitals attached to these institutions.
Superspecialty Hospitals to Compete with Corporate Sector
Highlighting the role of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, the minister said its presence significantly reduced stent costs—from ₹3 lakh to ₹60,000 even in private hospitals. He stressed that district-level superspecialty hospitals would similarly set benchmarks, control treatment costs, and reduce corporate dominance in the healthcare sector.
Role of Private Doctors and Hospitals
Dr Patil acknowledged that 60–70% of patients are treated by private doctors and smaller hospitals, while only 5% seek care at corporate hospitals that often charge exorbitant fees. He urged doctors to establish affordable, patient-centric private hospitals rather than focusing solely on profit.
Leaders Call for Affordable and Accessible Healthcare
Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra echoed the demand for accessible healthcare for poor and middle-class families. Similarly, Davanagere MP Prabha Mallikarjun and MLA S.N. Channabasappa, present at the summit, emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in bridging healthcare gaps and improving services across Karnataka.
