Media release
Karkala, Nov 6: In a significant development for healthcare services in Karkala and its surrounding areas, marked the foundation stone-laying for a new Outpatient Department (OPD) and Labour Theatre complex.
The foundation stone for the OPD and Labour Theatre complex was laid by Vasanthi R Pai, a trustee from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), underscoring the institution’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services. This complex includes consultation rooms for specialty and super-specialty services, as well as comfortable waiting areas for patients. A dedicated labour theatre has been designed to prioritise patient privacy and comfort. The facility is scheduled to be operational by April 2025.
Speaking at the event, Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor of MAHE, expressed enthusiasm for the hospital’s continued growth and its expanding reach within the community. Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), vice-chancellor of MAHE, highlighted that these developments are part of a broader effort to bring state-of-the-art healthcare closer to the people of Karkala.
The event was also attended by key dignitaries, Dilip Jose, managing director and chief executive officer of Manipal Health Enterprises Pvt Ltd, Dr Sharath Kumar Rao, pro-vice-chancellor (Health Sciences), Dr Raviraj N S, chief operating officer of MAHE, Dr Padmaraj Hegde, dean of Kasturba Medical College (KMC) Manipal, and Dr Anand Venugopal, COO of MAHE’s Teaching Hospitals.
Community representatives from the Rotary Club of Karkala Rock City and Rotary Club of Karkala, including president Rtn Upendra, Wagle and Rtn Iqbal Ahmed, president of the Rotary Club Karkala, were present to extend their support. Together, the officials emphasised the hospital’s vision to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care that caters to the needs of the community.
On this occasion, Dr Kirthinath Ballal, chief medical officer, Dr T M A Pai Rotary Hospital, Karkala said that "With the construction of this new OPD building, we aim to provide personalized healthcare in a welcoming environment. These new additions are expected to elevate the quality and accessibility of medical care for the local community.”