Work on three rural health facilities in Belagavi district launched by Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao launched work on three rural health facilities, at a total cost of ₹90 crore, in Belagavi district of Karnataka on February 16.

He laid the foundation stones for construction of a 50-bed Intensive Care Unit (CCU) in Bailhongal, and for upgrading hospital buildings in the newly formed taluks of Saundatti and Ramdurg.

“Karnataka is moving forward towards building a model state through guarantee schemes to alleviate poverty and provide social justice. We are in the forefront of healthcare. Several steps are being taken to strengthen the health and family welfare department. We have introduced innovative schemes and programmes, like Puneeth Rajkumar Hriday Jyoti, Tele ICU, and Home Health Scheme, and rural ambulance services,” the Minister said.

The government had released about ₹300 crore to various projects of the Health Department in Belagavi district.

He said he had inspected the taluk hospital in Bailahongal, and expressed satisfaction over the way it was being run. “Doctors told me that about 200 deliveries are taking place in the hospital every month, and that there are no major complaints from people. I feel that if hospitals in every taluk are managed in the same way, most of the problems of patients will be solved. We have sanctioned a new 50-bed unit with the aim of upgrading the taluk hospital to benefit local residents,” he said.

He said that, along with implementation of the five guarantee schemes, the State Government is implementing several development projects in most departments.

MLA Mahantesh Koujalagi said that about ₹23 crore has been released for construction of a 50-bed Intensive Care Unit (CCU). “The number of patients visiting the Out Patient Department in Bailhongal hospital had increased to 800 a day, from 110 seven years ago. People are satisfied with the healthcare services provided here. There is no shortage of expert doctors in Bailhongal taluk hospital or lack of equipment for treatment,” he said.

The MLA sought funds for constructing a compound for the hospital. He also sought additional funds for managing rural ambulances, including higher fuel allowance.

District Health and Family Welfare Officer Ishwar Gadadi was among those who accompanied the Minister.

Earlier, Mr. Gundu Rao visited the final resting place of Kittur Rani Channamma in Bailhongal, accompanied by Kittur MLA Babasaheb Patil. He inaugurated a rock garden at the site.

He said that the State Government was taking up development and beautification of the site at a cost of ₹3 crore.