Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 22: Dakshina Kannada district is known for being an education and medical hub with eight medical colleges and renowned educational institutions. People from other states avail treatment and educational facilities available in Dakshina Kannada.

Demanding a government medical college, strengthening government hospitals and upgradation of Wenlock hospital into multi-speciality hospital, a non-political movement was started recently in the district under Sarakari Aspathre Ulisi Samithi (Save government hospital committee). The committee has members from several organisations. It is a non-political movement. Unlike in other cases where the protesters work under their party symbol, flag, banner etc, in this case, it will be purely a common man's protest.

The committee has planned to hold protests at all the eight assembly constituencies in the district outside the offices of the MLAs of the respective constituency. So far, protests at Mangaluru South and Bantwal have concluded and memorandums have been submitted to the legislators during these protests. On October 28 and November 2, protests have been planned in Mangaluru and Mulky-Moodbidri constituencies.

Along with setting up of government medical college, strengthening government hospitals and upgradation of Wenlock hospital into multi-speciality hospital, the committee demands constructing taluk and community hospitals and filling up of the vacancies in the hospitals.

Speaking to daijiworld.com, one of the committee leaders, Muneer Katipalla, said, “Due to the corona pandemic, the poor have been affected severely as Wenlock hospital was closed and private hospitals were charging heavy fees. We could see several people suffer, being unable to pay hospital charges. Many patients were badly affected due to exorbitant hospital charges.

“Hence, a decision was taken to carry out a movement in a round table meeting where several organisations took part with a theme 'Sarakari Aspathre Balapadisi, Khasagi Aaspathre Niyanthrisi (Save government hospital, control private hospital). A committee Sarakari Haspathre Ulisi Samithi (Save government hospital committee) was formed.

“Mangaluru is known as the regional centre, but we do not have a government medical college despite our district being called as an education hub. A government medical college will help the poor to become a doctor. Further, it will be government fees and some may get free seats.

“Hospitals like Kidwai and Jaidev in Bengaluru have branches at other places in Karnataka. Similar, if the branches are extended to Dakshina Kannada district, it will be helpful.

“As per Karnataka Private Medical Establishment Act, based upon the population, we must be having 130 primary health centres, 35 community hospitals, and 8 taluk hospitals. But we have only 80 PHC's, 7 community hospitals and 4 taluk hospitals. We find that there is a staff crunch in these hospitals. Out of 1,800 posts, 900 have been left vacant in these hospitals.

“People were severely affected during this pandemic as health facilities did not reach the poor. After holding protests in eight constituencies, we will work towards the needful. Wherever there is need for community and taluk hospitals, we will keep our demands and carry out this movement effectively.

“We do not support the health insurance schemes, as at the end the money goes into the treasury of private hospitals. Instead, strengthen government hospitals and convert Wenlock into multi-speciality hospital. There is complete failure of people's representatives and the government as they do not have concern. They should realise their responsibilities. The policies pertaining to health and education do not reach the poor in the district where 75% of the people are affected. In Dakshina Kannada district, the poor cannot afford to avail treatment in private hospitals and educational institutions because of its fee structure, he said.