The government primary health centre in the city, which was once popular as Kaivar hospital has been reduced to a mere building today.

The health centre was once overcrowded and had expert doctors like Dr Jayanthi, Dr Srinivas, who had contributed to the overall development of the hospital in its initial stages and had brought recognition among the other centres in the taluk.

But the situation now at the centre has deteriorated. Some of the doctors have gone abroad to pursue higher studies, while the patients here have no lady doctors to attend to. Now there is only one doctor in the centre and the public allege that this doctor is also not effective in treating the patients.

The hospital authorities in the past used to organise health camps to create awareness about AIDS, Dengue, drug addiction and others. But now from past three to four years, due to shortage of doctors the hospital has been reduced to mere material existence only.

Added to these, the city has no private hospitals and the people are suffering unable to avail themselves of the medical facilities. If at all they want to get treated they have to run all the way to Chintamani or Kolar, which is quite far away.

And if the condition is serious their situation is rendered all the more vulnerable. There are many instances where seriously ill patients have died due to delay in treatment.

Vested Interests

People  allege that some vested interests transferred Dr Kamala, who was very efficient at her work, which has adversely effected the people in the city. Due to this internal politics, other doctors too hesitate to work in the health centre, they say.

They express their disappointment over the negligence of the officials and also the people’s representatives. Even after so many protests along with Janawadi Women’s organisation, Nagarika Hitarakshana Samithi, SFI and other organisations there has not been much use, they say.

They had called for a bandh and the issue was also discussed in the ZP meeting. Now the people of the region are in great need of medical facilities and lady doctors in the health centre.