Central Government Sanctions Rs 80 Crore for 124 Ayushman Bharat Health Centres in Dakshina Kannada
In a significant boost to healthcare infrastructure in Dakshina Kannada, the Central government has approved more than Rs 80 crore for the construction of 124 Ayushman Bharat–Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs). This funding is part of the 15th Finance Commission plan, aimed at strengthening rural health services across the district.
Distribution of Funding Across Taluks
The allocation covers various taluks, with specific numbers of centres approved: 18 in Puttur, 26 in Beltangady, 27 in Sullia, 33 in Bantwal, 12 in Moodubidire, and eight in Mangaluru. Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta highlighted that this initiative is designed to address gaps in primary healthcare access for rural communities.
Additional Funding Under PM-ABHIM
Beyond the Finance Commission plan, funding has also been approved for nine centres under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), specifically targeting Bantwal taluk. This brings the total number of funded HWCs in Bantwal to 33, including 24 from the Finance Commission and nine from PM-ABHIM.
Progress and Groundbreaking Ceremony
Work has already commenced at 11 locations within the Bantwal Assembly constituency, with the tender process underway for additional sites. A groundbreaking ceremony for these 11 HWCs was conducted on Saturday by MP Capt Brijesh Chowta and Bantwal MLA U Rajesh Naik, marking the start of construction efforts.
Details of Health and Wellness Centres
Each HWC is allocated Rs 65 lakh and will feature a building covering approximately 2,000 square feet. The ground floor will include a clinic, wellness centre, day care facility, and restrooms, while the first floor will provide residential quarters for health officers. These centres are expected to deliver comprehensive healthcare services, including preventive, curative, and wellness programs, to rural residents.
Impact on Rural Healthcare
Capt Chowta emphasized that the PM-ABHIM scheme, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the 15th Finance Commission plan aim to develop robust health infrastructure in rural areas. The new AB-HWCs will help bridge the gap in essential healthcare services for villages lacking primary health centres, ensuring better access to medical facilities.
List of HWC Locations in Bantwal
The approved locations for HWCs in the Bantwal Assembly constituency include: Badaga Belluru, Ananthadi, Amtadi, Sarapadi, Devasya Paduru, Moodupadukodi, Veerakamba, Mangila Padu, Gadiyar, Balthila, Amtur, Panemangaluru, Polali, Uli, Shambhuru, Suribailu, Kolnadu, Kulalu, Kuriyal, Kalige, Kavalakatte, and Karpe. Establishment of centres at all funded sites is set to begin soon, promising enhanced healthcare delivery across the region.
