Karnataka Government Pledges Superspecialty Hospital for Karwar in Next Budget
In a significant boost to healthcare infrastructure in coastal Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that a superspecialty hospital will be sanctioned for Karwar in the next state budget. The declaration came during a ceremony where he dedicated a newly constructed 450-bed multi-specialty hospital building at the Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences (KRIMS).
Major Healthcare Push for the Region
Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd gathered at the medical college campus, Siddaramaiah addressed longstanding demands from local residents. "The people from this region have been asking for a superspecialty hospital. We will definitely sanction it in the next budget," the Chief Minister affirmed, adding with characteristic warmth, "And when it is ready, I will come and inaugurate it."
The Chief Minister emphasized his government's commitment to fulfilling regional development needs, contrasting it with what he described as inadequate attention from previous administrations. "The BJP did not take up any development works here, but our government will fulfil every single demand of yours, step by step," he stated firmly.
Multiple Infrastructure Projects Inaugurated
Alongside the healthcare announcements, the Chief Minister inaugurated several other infrastructure projects during his visit:
- A newly constructed bridge on State Highway-93 connecting Khanapur and Talaguppa in Yellapur taluk
- A modern inspection bungalow in Yellapur town
- A tourist bungalow in Mundgod taluk to boost local tourism
Government Leaders Highlight Development Agenda
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who also addressed the gathering, expressed gratitude to voters for providing the Congress party with a strong mandate. "Our government is repaying that trust by launching these important projects," he declared. Shivakumar proudly noted the quality of Karnataka's medical professionals, stating, "Our doctors are among the brightest in the country, which is why you see them working not just across India but all over the world."
The Deputy Chief Minister also made specific commitments regarding local development, promising that demands raised by Karwar MLA Satish Sail would be addressed promptly. He appealed to industrialists to invest in the coastal belt to create local employment opportunities. "This is a peaceful region under our government, there have been no communal disturbances, and we will not allow any," Shivakumar asserted, highlighting the administration's commitment to maintaining social harmony.
Substantial Investment in Medical Facilities
Minister for Medical Education Sharanprakash R Patil revealed that the government has already invested Rs 2 crore to equip the new multi-specialty hospital with all necessary medical facilities. He outlined an ambitious vision for healthcare expansion across the state, stating, "Our goal is to have a government medical college and a multi-specialty hospital in every district."
District Minister Mankal S Vaidya reinforced the government's commitment to delivering on its promises, while appealing for increased industrial investment in the three coastal districts to provide better employment opportunities for local youth.
Local Leaders Recall Healthcare Struggles
Karwar MLA Satish Sail recounted the challenging journey to establish the medical college in the region. "It was supposed to go to a private society, but because of our continuous fight, we got a government medical college eight years ago," he recalled, highlighting the importance of persistent advocacy for public healthcare infrastructure.
Former minister RV Deshpande emphasized the transformative impact these facilities would have on economically disadvantaged families. He specifically urged the Chief Minister to prioritize the superspecialty hospital, stating, "North Kannada still needs a full superspecialty hospital. Please announce it in the next budget."
The series of announcements and inaugurations mark a comprehensive push by the Karnataka government to enhance healthcare access, infrastructure, and economic opportunities in the coastal region, with the superspecialty hospital representing a major forthcoming investment in specialized medical care for local residents.
