Mangaluru: Two OBG and anaesthesia specialists to be posted in every taluk hospital, says Dinesh Gundu Rao

Mangaluru: Two OBG and anaesthesia specialists to be posted in every taluk hospital, says Dinesh Gundu Rao

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 2, 2025: Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced that the government will ensure the availability of at least two gynaecologists and two anaesthetists in every taluk hospital across Karnataka. To achieve this, specialists from community health centres with lower patient loads will be transferred to taluk hospitals, thereby enhancing their services.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the Arogya Raksha Samiti meeting at Wenlock Hospital’s RPCC hall on Friday, the minister said that while one paediatrician per taluk is adequate, having two specialists in obstetrics, gynaecology, and anaesthesia is essential to provide round-the-clock services. This move will enable taluk hospitals to conduct deliveries and surgeries locally.

 

 

At present, most taluk hospitals have only one sanctioned post for each of these specialties. By redeploying specialists from underutilized centres, the government aims to strengthen healthcare delivery, he added.

Cath Lab at Wenlock to Begin Operations Soon

Gundu Rao further stated that the newly installed cath lab at Wenlock Hospital will soon become operational. For BPL cardholders, angioplasty and cardiac surgeries, including stent placement, will be free of cost. Currently, angiograms for BPL patients are charged at a subsidized rate of ₹5,000, but discussions are underway to make this service completely free.

For APL cardholders, the cost of a single stent has been reduced from ₹60,000 to ₹42,000. The price of double stents has been cut from ₹85,000 to ₹59,500, while additional stents will cost ₹20,194 compared to the previous rate of ₹28,849. Except for angiograms, all other cardiac treatments will be offered under a 70:30 cost-sharing scheme, with the government subsidizing 30%, the minister explained. Wenlock superintendent Dr. Shivaprakash shared these details during the meeting, mentioning that angiograms for APL patients are priced at ₹7,000.

CT and MRI Facilities to be Expanded

During the meeting, committee members raised concerns about public complaints regarding charges for CT and MRI scans at Wenlock and Lady Goschen Hospitals. They informed that MRPL has agreed to donate the necessary scanning equipment. The minister directed officials to ensure that CT and MRI facilities are made available at all district hospitals under government initiatives. Dr. Shivaprakash confirmed that MRPL will supply the machines within the current financial year.

The meeting was attended by Mooda president Sadashiva Ullal, deputy commissioner Darshan H. V., and zilla panchayat CEO Narwade Vinayak Karboori.