District Hospitals will not be handed over to the Medical Education Department, instead it will be retained in the Health and Family Welfare Department, said Health and Family Welfare Department Minister Aravind Limbavalli.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Mysore Region Vajapayee Arogya Shree Yojana and free health camp at Virajpet on Saturday.

The State government has decided to establish government medical colleges in seven districts, of which one is Kodagu. The medical students will visit the District Hospitals for
practical learning, he said.

The Indian Medical Council has amended its rules. Hence, there is no need to hand over the medical colleges to district hospitals, he said.

It can be remembered that Kodagu District Government Doctors had organised a massive protest demanding the district hospitals to be retained in Health and Family Welfare Department.

Shortage of docs

The government does not have any problems in finances. However, shortage of doctors is the biggest hurdle towards enhancing of health in the State, said Limbavalli.

To solve this problem, the government has decided to make it mandatory that every student studying medical education in the State must work for one year in rural areas. This will solve the shortage of doctors and in turn enhance health. The first batch after this rule was made will be out in January, he said.

There is a shortage of 1200 specialised doctors in the state. The shortage will be filled in phases. Para Medicals, Nurses and 'D' Group Workers will also be appointed, he said.

Condemn

Even though Belgaum based Savita Halappa was suffering and had risks in continuing her pregannacy, she was not given an opportunity for abortion, as it was not permitted according to Ireland Laws. I condemn such inhumane laws, said Limbavalli.
He also assured to hold talks with the central government in offering compensation to Savita's family.

Speaker K G Boppiah, Kodagu District-In-Charge Minister Appachchu Ranjan, ZP President Shivappa, Vice President Usha Devamma and others were present.