Mangaluru, Mar 7: Expressing his reluctance over signing a long term agreement with Kasturba Medical College (KMC) to run the Government Wenlock Hospital in the city, Health and family welfare minister U T Khader said that such a development might delay setting up a government medical college in the coastal city.
Replying to the queries of media persons in the city on Monday Mr Khader said that launching a government medical college is the only alternative to make the 167-year-old hospital in the heart of the city a full-fledged medical centre.
It may be recalled that a meeting was convened by deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim recently to discuss about a proposal of leasing the Government Wenlock Hospital to KMC for 30 years. The minister said that he has not received any proposals. However, he said, "leasing the hospital to KMC is a policy matter and government will take a final decision."
"For common men, district hospitals are important when it comes to their health. It is the responsibility of deputy commissioner to submit reports on requirements for district hospitals and obtain sanctions from the government. I appreciate that the KMC has been providing very good service by sending doctors and staff. Taking a decision regarding future plans is a part of government's policy matter. It requires government policy to have private partnership for a government hospital," Khader said stressing the need for a government medical college in Wenlock Hospital.
"The district administration informed me that if the hospital was handed over for 30 years, an action plan worth Rs 30 crore to provide new buildings and other infrastructure will be implemented by the KMC in a phased manner. In the pre-budget, the government has proposed two medical colleges - one in Bowring & Lady Curzon Hospitals in Bengaluru and another in Government Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru. I have told the deputy commissioner that signing an agreement at this juncture will derail government's proposal of setting up a government medical college for 30 more years," Khader said.
"KMC that is running the hospital have to pay more than Rs 2 crore to the government annually. At present, they have been paying nearly Rs 1.5 crore. They are showing around Rs 1 crore towards expenses on watchmen, cleaners etc. In the new proposal, they are offering to provide infrastructure worth Rs 30 crore for Wenlock Hospital in 30 years. It is a profit only for them and at the same time, the government will not be able to set up government medical college. Nothing can be done once an agreement is signed. All these aspects should be looked after by the district administration," Khader said.
"There should be a long vision even if we hand over the hospital to KMC. There should be clarity on the kind of infrastructure they are proposing to provide and it should be as per the guidelines of MCI so that the government will be able to set up a medical college later. I also have sought explanation from the DC whether they will be able to extend free service to BPL and services with nominal charge for APL families. Similarly, it should never turn into a referral hospital, where poor patients are sent to private hospitals for advanced tests. District administration should consider all these aspects before sending a proposal on private partnership for Wenlock Hospital. Setting up a government medical college is the only alternative to make Wenlock Hospital full-fledged and it is the priority of the government too," Khader asserted.
Comments
Mr. khader being health minister its ur responsibility to start up government medical college in mangalore at any cost and never hand over wenlock hospital to manipal group...., they are only interested in making money.......
Pl retain govt status for the medical college and no partnership in the management should be allowed. All pvt interest is towards profiteering and siphoning. The property of Wenlock is a prime one worth its weight in gold and being centrally located it will be boon for patients. The treatment in wenlock is better or on par with other pvt hospitals.
Manipal Group already have many hospitals in Mangalore and around. Don't give wenlock to them. Please think about middle class people.
No where in Karnataka Government Medical College. In Kerala there are 4 Government Medical College. Please start this college immediately Mr. Khader. Good Idea and our du'aa is always with you. For new generation badly need such college in the heart of the cities.
In Sha Allah you will fulfill our parent's dream.
good work ut khader, really happy to have u here in mangalore.
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