Will oppose if privatisation of hospital does injustice to poor, says Pramod Madhwaraj

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Sep 7, 2016:  Udupi District in-charge Minister and State Minister for Fisheries Pramod Madhwaraj has clarified that the state cabinet which has decided to  entrust the management of the Udupi District Government Women’s and Children’s Hospital to a private firm, was yet to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in this regard.

Speaking to reporters here, Madhwaraj who  had earlier pretended ignorance about the plan, said that it was the cabinet which has taken the decision. He at the same time said he would oppose the decision if  it results in injustice to poor patients in any way.

Stating that it was a decision of the Health Department which was in no way connected to his department, Pramod justified himself stating that  he  does not consult other ministers as far as decisions of his ministry was concerned.

He said he was of the opinion that the poor should continue receiving free treatment at the hospital even after privatisation.