NUHM likely to be launched in Bangalore next month: Azad

Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad announced that the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) is likely to be launched in Bangalore in January 2014.

NUHM announced in the State, as well as in the Union Budget, will cater mainly to the urban poor providing healthcare facilities to the slumdwellers and the migrant population. The Centre’s grants for the mission will also be provided next month, he said.

Speaking with mediapersons after holding a review meeting with the State Health and Medical Education departments here on Friday, Azad announced two superspeciality hospitals in Bellary and Hubli at Rs 150 crore, each. Two peripheral cancer centres in Mandya and Gulbarga of Rs 45 crore each and also, an amount of Rs 120 crore as grants towards the upgrading of Kidwai Institute of Oncology in Bangalore. 
    
Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash R Patil said that the government has sent its recommendations to recognise Kidwai Institute as a centre of  national importance. He said if Azad would consider it, then the Institute is likely to be granted Rs 1,000 crore towards its development.

Patil also said that the amount announced will be divided in the ratio of Centre and State, contributing 75:25, respectively.

With regards to the Karnataka Compulsory Service Training by Candidates Completed Medical Course Bill 2012, there was some clarification required by the Union Human Resource Development Ministry, that was done.

Azad said that he will pursue the matter and ensure that the President of India consents to the Bill.  State Health Minister U T Khader said that they have sought additional 20 Maternity Child Health Centres in the district.