<p>Tumakuru: In a stern move against the exploitation of poor patients, District In-charge Minister G Parameshwara has directed the Health Department to take immediate and strict action to shut down private hospitals in the district that are allegedly conducting unnecessary cesarean (C-section) deliveries for monetary gain.</p><p>During the KDP progress review meeting held at the Zilla Panchayat office on Tuesday, Parameshwara expressed dissatisfaction with the Health Department’s performance. He was outraged to learn that while private hospitals are performing over 80% C-section deliveries, even government hospitals have a 58% rate, far exceeding national health norms.</p><p>“Despite Tumakuru recording the highest number of C-sections in the state, what action have you taken?” the minister questioned officials.</p><p>He cited reports that some private hospitals were charging up to Rs 1.5 lakh per C-section, especially from economically weaker families. “Don’t tell me stories. What have you done to stop the exploitation of the poor? How many hospitals have been shut down?” he asked sharply.</p><p>Responding to the concerns, District Health Officer Chandrashekar stated that warning notices had been issued to such hospitals. However, Parameshwara was not satisfied and said, “They will just tear up your notices and throw them away. That’s of no use. You must shut these hospitals down. Report back in the next meeting with concrete action.”</p><p>He also pulled up government hospitals for the same malpractice and called for disciplinary action against the doctors involved. Many taluk health officers are not carrying out their duties properly. Those who have stayed in the same post for too long and are underperforming should be transferred immediately.</p><p><strong>Coconut crop disease</strong></p><p>In addition to health issues, Parameshwara raised alarms over a severe disease affecting coconut crops in the district. He warned that if the situation persists, farmers may face heavy crop losses.</p><p>He directed the Horticulture Department to prepare a comprehensive report on disease control and yield improvement and submit it to the Coconut Development Board and the state government for immediate action.</p><p><strong>Declining soil fertility</strong></p><p>The minister also expressed concern about the deteriorating soil health due to the overuse of chemical fertilisers.</p><p>He warned that continued misuse could render some lands unfit for agriculture in the next 20 years. “There must be awareness on this issue,” he directed the Agriculture Department officials.</p><p>Joint Director of Agriculture N Ramesh reported that soil tests have revealed deficiencies in nutrients, like zinc and boron, highlighting the urgent need for appropriate corrective measures.</p>
<p>Tumakuru: In a stern move against the exploitation of poor patients, District In-charge Minister G Parameshwara has directed the Health Department to take immediate and strict action to shut down private hospitals in the district that are allegedly conducting unnecessary cesarean (C-section) deliveries for monetary gain.</p><p>During the KDP progress review meeting held at the Zilla Panchayat office on Tuesday, Parameshwara expressed dissatisfaction with the Health Department’s performance. He was outraged to learn that while private hospitals are performing over 80% C-section deliveries, even government hospitals have a 58% rate, far exceeding national health norms.</p><p>“Despite Tumakuru recording the highest number of C-sections in the state, what action have you taken?” the minister questioned officials.</p><p>He cited reports that some private hospitals were charging up to Rs 1.5 lakh per C-section, especially from economically weaker families. “Don’t tell me stories. What have you done to stop the exploitation of the poor? How many hospitals have been shut down?” he asked sharply.</p><p>Responding to the concerns, District Health Officer Chandrashekar stated that warning notices had been issued to such hospitals. However, Parameshwara was not satisfied and said, “They will just tear up your notices and throw them away. That’s of no use. You must shut these hospitals down. Report back in the next meeting with concrete action.”</p><p>He also pulled up government hospitals for the same malpractice and called for disciplinary action against the doctors involved. Many taluk health officers are not carrying out their duties properly. Those who have stayed in the same post for too long and are underperforming should be transferred immediately.</p><p><strong>Coconut crop disease</strong></p><p>In addition to health issues, Parameshwara raised alarms over a severe disease affecting coconut crops in the district. He warned that if the situation persists, farmers may face heavy crop losses.</p><p>He directed the Horticulture Department to prepare a comprehensive report on disease control and yield improvement and submit it to the Coconut Development Board and the state government for immediate action.</p><p><strong>Declining soil fertility</strong></p><p>The minister also expressed concern about the deteriorating soil health due to the overuse of chemical fertilisers.</p><p>He warned that continued misuse could render some lands unfit for agriculture in the next 20 years. “There must be awareness on this issue,” he directed the Agriculture Department officials.</p><p>Joint Director of Agriculture N Ramesh reported that soil tests have revealed deficiencies in nutrients, like zinc and boron, highlighting the urgent need for appropriate corrective measures.</p>
