Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (AM)
With Inputs from Media Release
Udupi, May 13: Dimissing all reports over B R S Health Research Institute Pvt Ltd’s alleged ‘inability’ to manage the government Koosamma Shambhu Shetty Memorial Haji Abdullah Mother and Child Hospital, BRS Group on Wednesday, May 13, in a press release said that it had been ‘misquoted’ by some of the local media and newspapers.
It may be recalled, that it was reported by media that B R S Health Research Institute Pvt Ltd has approached the state government, expressing its inability to manage the hospital here and the government has issued orders to appoint obstetricians and children specialists to the hospital.
BRS Group, in a media release said, “Government of Karnataka - Koosamma Shambhu Shetty Memorial Haji Abdullah Mother and Child Hospital, Udupi is built and managed by Dr B R Shetty. This initiative was taken up by Dr B R Shetty as the earlier hundred-year-old 70 bedded hospital was in a dilapidated condition with poor medical facilities. Dr Shetty constructed a ground+6 storied, 200 bedded, centrally air conditioned, state of the art hospital equipped with all high-end equipment.
“The unique feature of this hospital is that the treatment provided is absolutely free of cost. Including treatments, medicines, lab investigations, food, room charges etc. Probably the second hospital in the entire country after Sathya Saibaba hospital where in there is no billing department at all.
“The entire cost of all treatment and facilities has been borne completely by Dr B R Shetty. On an average Dr Shetty spends more than three crore per month to maintain and operate this hospital. About 350 staff members including doctors, paramedical staff and other service staff are employed in this hospital, their entire salary is paid by Dr B R Shetty.
“Till date this hospital has treated more than 1,44,000 OPD patients and performed 6,595 deliveries. The Koosamma Shambhu Shetty Memorial Haji Abdulla Mother and child hospital is a pride of Udupi and attracts patients from all the 28 districts of Karnataka as well as migrant labourers from other states as well.
“Unfortunately, even though it is more than two years since the hospital is functioning, the Karnataka government has failed to sign a definitive agreement with the BRS group despite of repeated reminders, meetings and follow up. Neither have the local authorities permitted to construct the 400 bedded super speciality Hospital just adjacent to this mother and Child Hospital. The 400 bedded Super Specialty Hospital would support and help mother and child hospital to provide free treatment.
“The BRS group had written to the government of Karnataka reminding them about the definitive agreement time and again and also requested the permission for the 400 bedded hospital on the site.
“Unfortunately, this has been misquoted in some of the local media and newspapers by saying that BRS Group has surrendered the hospital which is not true,” stated the media release.