Medical education dept seeks funds for facilities

The Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) has asked for upgrade of Vani Vilas hospital, geriatric unit in Victoria Hospital and strengthening of its radiotherapy unit.

Besides this, BMCRI also has proposed to set up genetic lab for research purpose in the college and to start in vitro fertilisation facility since the number of infertility cases have increased. "We also want to upgrade and increase the bed strength of intensive care unit (ICU) and neonatal ICU," said Dr O S Siddappa, director and dean, BMCRI.

Jayadeva Hospital has proposed another branch of the hospital comprising 75-100 beds at Shimoga on the lines of the hospital in Mysore, which was inaugurated late last year.

It has also sought funds for setting up of 25-bedded intensive cardiac care units (ICCU) in the five new medical colleges in Hassan, Belgaum, Bidar, Mandya and Raichur. "We also required at least 25-30 per cent increase in the non-planned budget (Rs 15 crore in 2010-11) since the staff has increased after our bed strength going up from 250 to 540," said director Dr C N Manjunath.

Similarly, the Kidwai Institute of Oncology has asked for Rs 52 crore to start satellite centre at KIMS Hubli. A PET CT scan for diagnosis, linear (IGRT) Rapid ARC, new operation theatre complex and medical ICU have also been proposed by the hospital.

There is also proposal to construct 250 bedded hospital at Indiranagar and outpatient block at K C General Hospital. The health department has also asked for funds to develop botanical garden in Vaccine Institute, Belgaum. The department wants to increase round-the-clock Primary Health Centres, first referral units, 108 ambulance and ASHAs.

Upgrading Gulbarga nursing school and establishment of super specialty health complex at Ramanagar and dental college in Bellary have also been listed in the budget proposal.
In spite of the long wish list, Health secretary Dr E V Ramana Reddy believed that there would not be a significant increase in the budget. "The state health department is getting sizable support from Government of India after the implementation of NRHM.

As a result, the burden on the state is less," he said. Even staff recruitment and upgradation of hospitals have been kept on hold. While this is the third budget of the BJP government, the budgetary allocation for health remains around three percent of the total budget.