Cath Lab, Dialysis Unit Inaugurated at Wenlock Hospital

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, September 21, 2025: District in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Sunday inaugurated a newly set up Cath Lab and relocated dialysis unit at Government Wenlock Hospital.

The Cath Lab, established on the ground floor of the hospital’s new surgical block at a cost of ₹5 crore with support from KMC, will offer angioplasty and angiogram facilities to poor patients. Specialist doctors and staff from KMC have been appointed to the unit. The minister said this is the first such initiative in a government hospital in the state. While BPL cardholders will receive free treatment, the government will also bear the cost of medicines and other expenses.

 

 

The 24-bed dialysis unit has been shifted to the fourth floor of the new block, with support from companies including MRPL and KIOCL. Equipped with 24 machines, the unit will provide free dialysis. Rao noted that Dakshina Kannada already has 94 machines across nine centres and assured that additional machines would be procured through CSR funds if required.

He further announced that peritoneal dialysis would soon be introduced in all districts, with 10 patients — especially children — selected in each district for the programme.

Responding to questions, Rao said the issue of nursing students at Wenlock not receiving stipends for the past four years will be taken up with Medical Education Minister Dr Sharanprakash Patil after review.

MLC Ivan D’Souza, District Health Officer Dr H.R. Thimmaiah, hospital superintendent Dr Shivaprakash D.S., and other officials were present.