Devi Shetty moots idea to ensure health care to all

Narayana Hrudayalaya Chairman Dr Devi Shetty on Saturday said, health facilities can be extended to all, if the growing base of cellphone users is judiciously used to mobilise the resource.

Speaking to the media after dedicating Narayana Hrudayalaya-Avati Ramasesh and Lakshmidevamma Multispeciality Smart Clinic on Vinobha road here, Shetty said, he had forwarded a proposal to the Health ministry to mobilise resource by charging Rs 20 cess per month towards the health fund from every cellphone users, estimated at Rs 85 crore. “It will ensure health care to all, irrespective of class,” he said.

Shetty said, when compared to other nations, India had sufficient work force with doctors and surgeons.

However, a major chunk of the community was suffering from health disorders, which was why it was not possible to use their services. Hence the aforementioned proposal may come in handy in meeting their requirements, he said.

Shetty said, though two million people per annum suffer from cardiac related ailments, 1.20 million among them were able to undergo surgery. This was due to the lack of surgeons, he added.