Belagavi, January 3: Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced that the state government will construct separate district hospitals in areas where government medical colleges are currently attached to existing district hospitals.
Announcement During Legislative Session
The minister made the declaration on December 18 during the winter session of the Karnataka legislature while responding to questions from members N. T. Srinivas and Prakash Koliwad.
Policy Shift for District Hospitals
According to official statements, “The State Government started government medical colleges in some districts by attaching the district hospitals as teaching hospitals. We have taken a policy decision to set up separate district hospitals in such districts,” reports The Hindu.
Districts Identified for New Hospitals
The districts earmarked for the new hospitals include Bidar, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, Vijayanagar, and Haveri. Under current rules, towns with a population over 10 lakh and a bed occupancy rate above 70% are eligible to have a district hospital.
Construction and Timeline
Some of the new hospitals are already under construction. The Vijayanagar hospital is expected to be inaugurated in February 2026, while the remaining hospitals in other districts will open in the coming months.
Caution to Private Hospitals on C-Sections
Earlier, on December 8, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao warned private hospitals across Karnataka against conducting unnecessary caesarean deliveries for financial gain, stressing strict action against violators.
Penalties for Medical Violations
Violations can attract fines of up to ₹50,000 and even cancellation of registration under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishment (KPME) Act. The minister clarified that no private hospitals have yet been formally identified for performing unwarranted C-sections.
No Public Complaints Received Yet
Responding to a question by JD(S) member Govinda Raju, the minister added that the District KPME Registration and Grievance Redressal Authorities have not received any complaints from the public regarding such practices, indicating no current enforcement actions.
