Quality Healthcare in Government Hospitals My Top Priority: U.T. Khader

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 7, 2026: Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader on Sunday said improving patient care in government hospitals and addressing deficiencies in the healthcare system would be his top priority.

Speaking to reporters at Kudroli Gokarnanatheshwara Temple during his first visit to Mangaluru after assuming office, Khader said he would continue the welfare initiatives and healthcare programmes launched by his predecessors. He also offered prayers at Ullal Syed Madani Dargah, St. Sebastian Church and Kudroli Temple.

Stressing the need for effective monitoring of hospitals, Khader said surprise visits, including late-night inspections, were necessary to assess the functioning of hospitals, availability of doctors and staff, and standards of cleanliness. He said a review meeting with health officials in Dakshina Kannada would be held on Monday to address grassroots-level issues.

The minister directed district and taluk health officers to regularly visit hospitals under their jurisdiction and ensure timely resolution of problems. He said doctors in government hospitals must perform their duties efficiently and on schedule.

Khader said external specialists could be engaged in hospitals facing a shortage of doctors, particularly maternity, child-care and community hospitals that require specialist services. He recalled that a similar approach had helped resolve staffing issues at the Ullal government hospital during his earlier tenure as Health Minister.

"The priority is to ensure that people receive quality healthcare. Whether the service is provided by a government doctor or with support from nearby medical colleges is secondary," he said.

Responding to reports regarding the Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister’s post, Khader said the decision rests with the Chief Minister and that he would accept any responsibility assigned to him. He added that he had previously served as district in-charge minister for Dakshina Kannada, Kolar and Chamarajanagar and would extend full cooperation regardless of who is appointed.

Several Congress leaders and office-bearers of the Kudroli Temple administration were present on the occasion.