Lack of funds stalls hospital works

Additional fund of ` 17.95 crore required to complete the building

The happiness of the residents knew no bound when they became witness to the construction of Hassan medical college which was launched and taken up at a fast pace.

Though there were some initial problems related to the place, the people were happy in the hope of getting the best medical facilities in their hometown. But, in recent days, the medical college is mired in controversies.

Confusion over the appointment of staff for the college, a series of protests,  allegations against lecturers, purchase of imported medical equipment and a lot more came to light.

While the allegations had brought disrepute to the college, the delay of the government in sanctioning funds has also stalled the works.

Works for the state-of-the-art college began but the 750-bedded hi-tech hospital came to a standstill after it reached the final phase.

Shortage of funds

Shortage of funds has resulted in the inauguration of the hospital postponed indefinitely.

The third phase of works still require crores of rupees and the delay in works has resulted in the estimated cost of the construction which was Rs 56.42 crore to escalate to Rs 79.50 crore.

The works have been stalled as the government had failed to release additional funds for the completion of the project.  While shortage of funds is one problem, the failure of recruiting staff and lack of basic amenities has made the Medical council of India to think about cancelling the recognition.

The current hospital is 350-bedded and it was planned to upgrade it into 750-bedded, but since the cost has already escalated to Rs 61.54 crore from Rs 56.42 cr an additional fund of Rs 17.95 cr is required to complete the project.

Though several memoranda have been submitted, the funds have not been released. The hospital which had to render services now stands incomplete.

A discussion was also held with the former prime minister and chief minister but there is no information on allocation of funds. But still, the hospital authorities are in the hope that the funds would be sanctioned after the budget.