MLAs oppose present version of pvt hospitals bill

DHNS
June 21, 2017

Bengaluru, Jun 21: Almost all MLAs who are medical doctors by profession on Tuesday opposed the controversial bill to regulate private hospitals in its present form and suggested to the government to conduct wider consultations in this regard.

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Participating in a discussion on the bill in the Assembly, Dr A B Maalakaraddy (Congress) said doctors are already working under immense pressure. Vested interests will make use of the bill to harass them. It will become impossible for doctors to function if their concerns are not addressed, he warned.

“The bill has created an atmosphere of fear. The government should tread cautiously in this regard. We must do it without hurting the sentiments of the doctors...The Minister (Health Minister K R Ramesh Kumar) should not get emotional. His intentions are good,” Maalakaraddy, who is a former health minister, stated.

Dr Shivaraj Patil (JD-S) warned that doctors will not be able to function if the bill is given effect in its present form. Dr C N Ashwath Narayan (BJP) suggested that the government hold consultations with doctors and address their concerns. Otherwise, the government will not be able to protect the interests of the poor patients. It is appropriate to refer the bill to the joint select committee, he added.

Besides, BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar said there are a lot of apprehensions about the bill. Incidents of attacks on doctors have increased of late. Nobody is doubting the government’s intentions. But it should not result in unnecessary harassment of doctors, he added.

Leader of the Opposition Jagadish Shettar said the government should submit before the House the full report of the Justice Vikramajit Sen committee that recommended measures to be taken to regulate medical establishments. The committee had in its report suggested that all medical establishments, including that of the government, should be brought under the purview of the bill, he added.

Almost all BJP members, including Shettar, demanded that the government should refer the bill to the joint select committee.

However, some members of the JD(S) spoke in favour of the bill.

Bill aims to regulate pvt medical establishments and not doctors.

Rate for treatments will not be fixed arbitrarily; an expert committee comprising all stakeholders will be formed for this purpose.

Imprisonment clause for violations dropped.

Many pvt hospitals are over-billing, conducting repetitive tests and over-pricing drugs.

Some pvt hospitals are claiming refund by submitting fictitious bills to the govt.

Govt hospitals are already regulated and hence, no need to bring them under the bill.

West Bengal govt has enacted harsher legislation in this regard.

Counter argument

Harassment of doctors will increase as vested interests may misuse certain provisions.

Attacks on doctors will increase and, in turn, the poor patients will be affected.

Govt medical establishments should also be brought under the purview of the bill.

Submit the full report of Justice Vikramajit Sen report in the House.

The bill has created an atmosphere of fear and hence, it needs wider consultation.

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru CEN police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly posting provocative and misleading content on an Instagram page named “mr_a_titude”, targeting the Bajpe police.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H identified the arrested as Abhishek M, a resident of Katipalla in Mangaluru.

A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station under Sections 353(1)(c), 353(2), 56, and 57 read with Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the post.

According to police, the accused uploaded a photograph of a hotel on the Instagram page and alleged that accused persons in a murder case under the Bajpe police jurisdiction were being given “royal treatment” by the police, including being served beef meals daily from the hotel.

The post further accused the police of supporting criminals, misusing their authority, and betraying public trust. Police said the content was provocative in nature and aimed at inciting public outrage against the police.

Following the post, a case was registered at the Bajpe police station, and further investigation was transferred to the CEN police station.

Police records indicate that the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, and robbery at the Surathkal Police Station, and one case at the Kaup Police Station.

The Commissioner said the accused was traced and arrested using technical evidence.

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News Network
December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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