From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Apr 7: Quality healthcare is also a fundamental right of citizens like water and shelter, said health and medical education minister Dr K Sudhakar in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
He was speaking at the World Health Day celebration organised by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS).
"Everyone on this planet has a right to avail quality health care irrespective of caste and creed. It is a fundamental right of every human-like water and shelter. We are working in line with this vision to develop basic infrastructure in health sector. As per WHO physical, mental and social well-being is health, we need to concentrate on this,’’ he said.
Mankind is suffering from many diseases since ancient times. We have been continuously fighting such diseases. Now we have successfully defeated the first wave of Covid and containing the second wave as well. There was anxiety among the people during this time last year, but after the invention of the vaccine we are much relieved today, he said.
The minister said scientists have made a great help to mankind by inventing vaccine. People should make use of it. Those eligible should voluntarily get the vaccine. It will boost the morality of others also. Health warriors should be role models for society by getting vaccinated.
Before the pandemic, there were about 5,000 to 6,000 oxygenated beds in government hospitals. In a span of just 10 months, it has been increased by 6 times to about 35,000 oxygenated beds today.
The positivity rate is about 6 to 9% in Bengaluru. Districts like Mysuru and Kalaburgi are also witnessing a surge in cases. Even the union health minister suggested not to neglect the situation and ensure that precautions are followed by people. If people co-operate we can defeat the second wave, said the minister.
As many as 157 new medical colleges have been started across the country since 2014. Four new medical colleges have been approved after BJP came to power under chief minister B S Yediyurappa in the state. 25 years have been passed since RGUHS is established. Now there is a new campus coming up in Ramanagara. Foundation will be laid for the new campus within three months and the government is extending all possible support, said the minister.
There are 2,500 PHCs in a rural area, we are upgrading them in order to provide community health services and 250 PHCs will be upgraded in the first phase under the PPP model, he said.