From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Mar 17: The state government is planning to involve Corporates in the health sector to bring in comprehensive progress, said health and medical education minister Dr K Sudhakar in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

He was speaking during the welcome event to onboard Geetanjali Kirloskar as head of CSR committee under health and family welfare and medical education department which was chaired by chief minister BS Yediyurappa.

"We are involving corporates in the health sector during the Covid times, this will help in enhancing public health care and overall development of health services. Several companies are involving in this programme. About Rs 4-5,000 crore is being spent under this programme during 2014-15. But now it is doubled which has enhanced social activities, said the minister.

Dr Sudhakar said corporates should come forward to develop primary health centres (PHCs). "We have requested them to upgrade the existing ones. Geetanjali Kirloskar's vast experience as an entrepreneur and philanthropist will help the state to leverage CSR initiatives for upgrading PHCs," he added.

Many corporates have involved in social work. The union government has made policy changes to spend 25% of CSR funding in the health sector. There is a need to develop PHCs and CHCs. Corporates can spend the amount on other health like cleanliness etc at present there is a need to collaborate with CSR, said Dr Sudhakar.

"We have 2500 PHCs in the state and huge funds have to be mobilised for upgrading these PHCs. 40% of IT companies are there in Karnataka. Other companies are also there. The committee will have a dialogue with these companies to yield a better result," said the minister.