Development projects at snail’s pace in Kodagu
Kodagu which is known for its unique culture and tradition has attracted the attention of the people across the world. However, it has never relieved from innumerable problems, Compared to other districts, Kodagu is lagging behind in health sector.
Shortage of doctors is haunting the district. Those doctors who get transferred to the district do not stay in the district. Citing health problems, they get transferred to cities after two-three months. In such a situation, many poor patients have to depend on district hospital for treatment.
The building of Madikeri district hospital looks good at the outset. However, it lacks basic facilities. In spite of having modern equipment, there is nobody to maintain it. Even Health Minister Sriramulu did not have any good words for the hospital during his recent visit to Madikeri.
The demand for constructing an underpass in front of District Hospital has been pending for the last several years. To conduct postmortem, one has to take the body and cross the highway as the unit is located on the other side of the road. This is causing inconvenience to the vehicle riders. In spite of understanding the gravity of the problem, neither the district administration nor health officials have taken the issue of constructing underpass seriously. However, Mysore-Bantwal State Highway work is moving in a faster pace. The work between Kushalnagar-Madikeri road will be completed within two months. If CMC delays in shifting pipelines from highway, then KRDCL will undertake road development works within the city. If government approves underpass project, along with development works, even the work on underpass can be taken simultaneously.
Health Minister Sriramulu had directed district Surgeon to submit a proposal on underpass in front of District Hospital. However, hospital authorities lament that there are several proposals with regard to underpass before the government.
In the recent years, Kodagu is making news as tourist destination. As a result, 10,000 to 20,000 tourists visit the district in the weekends. In this background, the increase in the density of vehicles necessitates the need for underpass in front of district hospital. This will help not only patients, hospital authorities but also pedestrians. The underpass will cost Rs 70 lakh to Rs 80 lakh.
As District-in-Charge Minister Krishna Palemar has taken charge of the hospital, MLA M P Appacchuranjan should take interests in the costruction of underpass in front of the hospital, say public.
DH News Service
