The Karnataka government has sanctioned funds for constructing dedicated buildings for 143 Ayushman Arogya Kendras (AAKs) in Dakshina Kannada district. Each unit will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 65 lakh to provide basic community medicine support to the public.
Progress of Construction
Officials confirmed that work on one AAK has been completed, and construction is underway for 15 others. The tender process has been initiated for the remaining 125 AAKs in the district. District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Thimmaiah HR informed the Times of India that the AAK at Thenkamijar in Bantwal taluk is fully completed.
Funding Sources
Out of the 143 sanctioned AAKs, funds for 125 centres have been allocated under the Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). The remaining 15 AAKs will be developed using grants from the 15th Finance Commission. However, construction could not begin at two locations due to land disputes.
Role and Services of AAKs
Dr. Thimmaiah explained that these facilities were originally health sub-centres, later renamed as Health and Wellness Centres, then Ayushman Arogya Mandir, and now AAKs. They focus on preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care. Basic medicines and community health services are provided through Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and Community Health Officers. Efforts are ongoing to complete all 143 AAKs.
Current Status of AAKs in the District
Dakshina Kannada district has a total of 355 AAKs, of which 195 lack their own buildings. The shortage is most acute in Mangaluru taluk, where 65 out of 106 AAKs are without buildings. In Bantwal taluk, 43 of 73 AAKs lack buildings; in Puttur, 29 of 63; in Sullia, 29 of 52; and in Belthangady, 29 of 61. The district also has 64 public health centres and eight community health centres.
