Mangaluru: In the wake of protests by some organisations, the department of health has clarified that the state govt has approved agreements with private institutions to strengthen the public healthcare system at the grassroots level and improve access to specialist medical services in rural areas. The govt has approved memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with reputed private medical colleges and Belthangady Taluk Hospital, Bantwal Taluk Hospital, and the community health centres at Moodubidire and Vitla said, DHO Dr HR ThimmaiahHe reiterated that the objective of the agreements is to expand quality healthcare services at community health centres and taluk hospitals. Under the proposed arrangement, private medical colleges will provide specialist doctors, paramedical staff, additional healthcare personnel, and advanced medical equipment required at government hospitals. He clarified that the administration and control of hospitals will continue to remain with the department of health and family welfare, while private institutions will only provide medical services free of charge.He said that the partnership between Wenlock District Hospital and Government Lady Goschen Hospital with KMC Hospital is a successful model. He said that the Rs 5 crore cath lab for cardiac care, launched six months ago at Wenlock Hospital, has already benefited more than 1,000 BPL patients, who received treatment free of cost.The department also highlighted the success of the Ullal Urban Community Health Centre, which functions under the National Health Mission. Before entering into an agreement with a private hospital, the facility recorded an average daily footfall of only 46 patients. Following the partnership, the average daily patient turnout increased to 400–500, all of whom receive services free of cost.Human chain protestVarious organisations under the banner Save Government Hospitals Horata Samithi formed a human chain at Bajpe on Tuesday, demanding that the govt withdraw its decision to tie up govt hospitals with private medical college. They also sought the establishment of Kidwai Cancer Hospital and a Jayadeva Heart Hospital unit in Mangaluru, besides upgrading the Bajpe PHC into a community health centre.Samithi convener Muneer Katipalla alleged that the government was promoting private medical colleges instead of strengthening public healthcare. He accused health minister UT Khader of ignoring govt hospitals and claimed legislators from both the Congress and BJP had remained silent on the issue while, “acting like puppets of the corporate medical lobby.”
