This neurosurgeon is fighting elections to transform healthcare

A specialty doctor contesting Assembly elections is virtually unheard of, but here is a neurosurgeon who has thrown his hat in the ring.

Dr Bhanuprakash A S, contesting from Basavanagudi Assembly constituency as a Pyramid Party of India (PPI) candidate, wants to participate in the policy framing process in the health sector, which he thinks is the most neglected.

Most people think that the MLA's job is to fix the roads, drains and clear the garbage, but it is actually the job of the corporators. MLAs have to take decision in the legislature assembly and frame pro-people policies. “I have worked both in government as well as in corporate hospitals in Bengaluru city and seen people suffering consuming adulterated food grown with pesticides and chemicals; these are sources of bodily diseases. Instead of treating their illness, we need to come up with policies to make our food healthier,” added Dr Bhanuprakash.

Though he contested in the corporation elections as an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate, he felt that it is like any other political party with hierarchy and the high command pulling the strings from Delhi. So the move to contest as a PPI candidate this time.

He said Basavanagudi constituency is beset by water scarcity and traffic congestion and the sitting MLA Ravi Subramanya from BJP has done very little for the area.

“The only solution for traffic is to have better facilities within the area so that people would not have to travel daily for their requirements. Like having good schools, recreational clubs, shopping malls and other cultural hubs within the ward so that people don't have to frequently venture out of their areas,” said Dr Bhanuprakash.