JOIN US4 new govt hospitals planned, but existing ones need oxygen
Even while the Chief Minister chalks out plans to build four new government hospitals on the outskirts of Bangalore, it is unclear as to how the government intends to fulfil the promise of upgrading the existing two hospitals in the city, the Victoria Hospital and Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital.
One of the main demands of the junior doctors-who recently called off their agitation following a High Court directive-was ‘upgradation’ of the facilities in the Government hospitals of State.
The Medical Education Department had assured them that upgradation would be
taken up.
At Wednesday’s review meeting called by the Chief Minister, it was decided that sites on the outskirts of the City would be earmarked for construction of four new Government
hospitals.
“I have instructed the BDA to identify the sites for the Government hospitals on the lines of Bowring and Victoria Hospital for the benefit of people on the outskirts of the city,” said Yeddyurappa.
Memorandum
In their memorandum submitted to the Government, the junior doctors had said that
the government hospitals attached to the medical colleges across the state have a huge shortfall in terms of facilities to cater to ordinary citizens.
“We would rather sit outside in these medical outposts created here than go inside where people expect better quality of service,” the Joint Secretary, Karnataka State Junior Doctors Association, Dr Mahesh Babu had said.
Lab facility
The junior doctors had claimed that while the neighbouring states boasted of 24-hour blood check-up and voluntary blood donation, the Karnataka Government hospitals had only 12-hour lab facilities and compulsory blood donation in emergency cases.
Besides, compared to government run hospitals in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the State hospitals had poor quality X-ray facilities and the 24-hour CT, USG was used only till 4 pm. while MRI scan facilities were not even available.
The junior doctors had also drawn attention to inadequate life-saving drugs and lack of centralised oxygen systems in the State hospitals.
CM to make another trip
Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa plans to go on a Bangalore trip again in the next couple of days.
Addressing media persons at ‘Krishna,’ Yeddyurappa said he would inspect the works going on in the City and the civic agencies’ preparedness to meet the challenges during monsoon.
‘BBMP hasn’t paid help centre staff’
The Congress on Wednesday alleged that the BBMP has not paid the salaries to its staff, working in the help centres, though the Palike claimed that it had accumulated Rs 570 crore through property taxes.In a press release, the former Mayor of the city M Ramachandrappa said these tax collectors are the employees of a private company, which got the job of tax collection on contract basis.