Karnataka to get 10 more medical colleges soon

The state will have 10 more new medical colleges, said Health Education Minister S.A.Ramadas on Thursday. The Centre has approved Rs 1274 crore proposal of the state government and released Rs 20 crore.

Talking to media on the sidelines of an event S A Ramadas said, “Establishment of the new medical colleges will help those deprived of proper medical attention in rural areas.” The minister also said, a pharmacy outlet had been opened at the K R Hospital on August 14 to sell drugs at 50 to 75 per cent less than the original price to patients. This had been possible after discussions with 14 multi-national global pharmaceutical companies. This is being implemented for the first time in Mysore.

 

“This would benefit a large number of poor patients who cannot afford to buy medicines at higher rates,” he said.

Similarly, it had been proposed to conduct a cancer detection camp in Mysore district in co-operation with the Kidwai Hospital, Ramadas said.

Expressing shock over 6,000 destitute children suffering from Aids in Karnataka, the Minister said steps were needed to improve health condition in rural areas where diseases were on the higher side.

Stating that compulsory rural service by doctors would help improve health condition in rural parts, he said ‘Argoya Dasoha’ (free health checkup and treatment) had been launched in Mysore district as a pilot programme.

Team of expert doctors would visit each house every month and check patients suffering from diabetes, blood pressure and heart ailments with a view to provide them further treatment.

The programme will be expanded across the state in a phased manner, he said after initially implementing in centres where medical colleges exist. ‘Asha’ workers and health staff had conducted a survey and identified patients requiring treatment by expert doctors in hospitals after visiting houses in the seven taluks of the district. Even surgery would be provided wherever necessary free of cost, Ramadas said.