Karnataka government keen on using CSR funds for rural healthcare

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is committed to utilising Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to improve healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Monday.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Strengthening Healthcare Services through PHC Infrastructure Upgradation’ project at Arogya Soudha in Bengaluru, the minister announced that 13 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Raichur are being upgraded at an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore, with 10 already completed.

"Health and education are the most fundamental needs of the people. Our department has initiated several programmes under the CSR scheme to enhance healthcare services. Now, in collaboration with GE Healthcare and CSR Box/Bharat Cares, we are strengthening PHCs to improve healthcare delivery in rural areas,” he said.

He further assured that the department would continue launching new initiatives for public welfare in the coming days.

Manoviraj Singh, Vice-President of CSR Box/Bharat Cares, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to ensuring equitable, high-quality healthcare for rural and underprivileged communities. "This partnership with the government will help upgrade PHCs, enhance infrastructure, and expand community outreach programmes. We look forward to contributing to more such initiatives,” he added.