Karnataka to replicate Kejriwal govt'sMohalla clinics'

Bengaluru, Oct 27: The Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) concept of `Mohalla Clinics' in Delhi is all set to be replicated in Karnataka with the Siddaramaiah government on Thursday deciding to establish extended health centres in slums and labour colonies across the state.

The move comes in the backdrop of a recent field-study conducted by the Karnataka's health department officials on mohalla clinics (community clinics) in Delhi.

Health minister K R Ramesh Kumar said: "There are 2,200 primary health centres (PHCs) across Karnataka but these are inadequate to meet the demands of the people, especially in the rural areas. Moreover, we are not in a position to open new PHCs because of financial and logistical constraints. So we have decided to open extended health centres, on the lines of mohalla clinics, to take the health service delivery system to the doorsteps of the people in thickly populated areas." Each of these centres will have a doctor, a pharmacist and a nurse.

The government will also equip these centres with diagnostic tools for conducting various medical tests on the patients. In fact, the mohalla clinics in Delhi are equipped to conduct over 30 different types of tests and initial diagnosis. Kumar said: "We are planning to source the point of care testing instruments for these centres through Infosys Foundation and Biocon."

Though AAP units have advocated the Mohalla clinic model for their respective cities (including Mumbai), this is the first time that a state government has announced that it would be replicating it. Kumar justified the move: "We have personally seen how the system works. It is an interesting idea and there is no harm in following something good. I can't confine to politics here, it is the question of peoples' health."

However, the biggest challenge that the minister feared was lobbying from the elected representatives for housing the proposed extended health centres in their respective constituencies. A health department official explained: "Since the countdown for the 2018 assembly polls have begun in Karnataka, netas would want these health centres to be set up in their favourite vote pockets."

However, Kumar maintained: "We will not go by political considerations in allotting these extended health centres to different localities. It will purely be on the need-based system."

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SMR Public School’s ‘EXCELLENTIA’ highlights academic excellence and holistic growth

News Network

December 16,2025

Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

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