CM inspects K.R. Hospital & Cheluvamba Hospital

‘No Chief Minister had inspected the hospitals; it is advantageous for the hospitals’ development’

Relatives of patients admitted to K.R. Hospital in Mysuru waiting for their turn to enter it even asChief Minister Siddaramaiah goes around the premises on Wednesday looking at the facilities available. Accompanying the Chief Minister are Ministers H.C. Mahadevappa and V. Srinivas Prasad, andMedical Superintendent B.G. Sagar.— Photos: M.A. Sriram

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday spent almost three hours on the campuses of K.R. Hospital and Cheluvamba Hospital, both teaching hospitals of Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI) here, inspecting their facilities.

Perhaps, it is first time a Chief Minister inspected the State-run hospitals and spent so much time visiting various departments, blood bank, besides talking to patients and doctors.

Mr. Siddaramaiah’s visit has raised hopes on the much-needed expansion of the hospitals, which are the lifeline for the people of not just Mysuru district but also surrounding districts. Both happen to be the oldest medical institutions in the State.

Mr. Siddaramaiah, who concluded his two-day visit to the city on Wednesday, went to the hospital at around 10.30 a.m. and toured the campus till 1.15 p.m.

He was accompanied by Minister for Public Works H.C. Mahadevappa, Minister in-charge of Mysuru district V. Srinivas Prasad, MLAs Vasu and Tanveer Sait, Mayor R. Lingappa, Principal Secretary to Medical Education Lakshminarayan and the heads of the hospitals.

Mr. Siddaramaiah’s visit gains significance as the MMCRI has proposed expansion of both the hospitals and establishment of new facilities for improving public healthcare facilities here at a cost of Rs. 350 crore.

“No Chief Minister had inspected the hospitals, at least in the recent past. In that sense, it is unique and advantageous for the hospitals’ development as he got the first-hand information on their status and needs for patients’ well-being,” a senior official of MMCRI told The Hindu . After the inspection, Mr. Siddaramaiah announced that the hospitals would be upgraded in a phased manner and steps would be taken to fill the vacant posts. He directed the hospital staff to give priority to cleanliness.

Mr. Siddaramaiah said at least 50 deliveries take place each day at Cheluvamba Hospital, so it will soon be upgraded as a 200-bed hospital. An additional unit will be set up for the care of newborn babies. The number of incubators will be increased from 12 to 20, he added.