New Government Medical College to come up in Badiadka

November 26, 2011

Kasargod, November 26: Health Minister Adoor Prakash said here on Friday that the proposed medical college in the district would be located in Ukkinadka near Badiadka.

Addressing mediapersons here, the minister said that 50 acres of land has been identified for the purpose. Dr K G R Pillai has been appointed as special officer of the medical college. “The government anticipates a total outlay of Rs 250 crore for the project which is expected to be mopped up through Private Public Participation,” said the minister. He also stated that five dialysis machines each would be set up in all the 14 districts.

The minister said that the main reason for the shortage of doctors in the state was the non-availability of qualified candidates to fill the vacancies. “There is a shortage of 800 doctors in the state, but when the Public Service Commission called for interview of doctors only 60 candidates turned up to take up the job.

“Doctors are not willing to work in government services, but the vacancies would be filled in a phased manner,” he said.

The minister said that when the government improved the quality of medical service in hospitals, the number of staff also registered an increase.

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Respiratory illnesses rise in Karnataka’s capital as air quality deteriorates

News Network

February 5,2026

Bengaluru: As air quality continues to worsen across several parts of the city, hospitals in Bengaluru are reporting a steady rise in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), health officials and doctors said.

Data from the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) shows that 3,891 patients received treatment for respiratory ailments between April and November 2024. The figure rose to 4,187 during the same period in 2025.

Private hospitals, too, are witnessing a 10–15 per cent year-on-year increase in such cases.

While doctors caution that the rise cannot be attributed solely to air pollution, a significant number of patients are non-smokers with no prior history of respiratory disease.

“Nearly 70 per cent of the patients we see are non-smokers with no previous respiratory issues. When other causes are ruled out, air pollution emerges as the most likely factor,” said Dr Manjunath PH, consultant interventional pulmonologist at a hospital in Kengeri.

Doctors noted that patient footfall spikes during the winter months and around Deepavali, when air quality typically worsens.

“There is a clear correlation between poor air quality and the rise in cases. People commonly present with persistent cough, breathlessness and irritation of the respiratory tract, indicating the impact of polluted air on their health,” said Dr Sheetal Chaurasia, consultant in pulmonary medicine at a private hospital in Whitefield.

Dr Chaurasia added that respiratory tract infections are also on the rise.

“Poor air quality leads to chronic airway inflammation, making the airways more vulnerable to infections. We are seeing an increase in both upper and lower respiratory tract infections,” she said.

Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain the worst affected.

“For those already diagnosed with respiratory illnesses, deteriorating air quality significantly worsens the condition. Both the frequency and severity of attacks increase sharply,” said Dr Vandana P, a pulmonologist at a hospital on Bannerghatta Road.

Doctors also flagged a worrying trend of rising respiratory problems among younger adults and children.

To reduce exposure, they advised people to wear masks while travelling on two-wheelers or autos and ensure adequate ventilation at home to minimise indoor air pollution.

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