Political leaders blamed for sorry state of affairs in KIMS

Human rights panel member visits hospital

The image of the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), once a prestigious medical institution, has taken a beating in recent years because of the apathy of political leaders from the region, C.G. Hungund, judicial member of the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission, has said.

He told presspersons here on Saturday after visiting the KIMS Hospital, Bala Mandir for girls and boys, and post-matric hostel for backward classes students, that in the 1970s and 80s, KIMS was a prestigious medical institution and people from across the State used to come to Hubballi for treatment. “Now, its image has taken a beating. Apart from the leaders’ apathy, the migration of expert doctors to Bengaluru might be another reason,” Mr. Hungund said.

He said that there was a need for more medical equipment for angiography and at least 30 incubators were required for the neo-natal intensive care unit of the hospital. The KIMS director had been informed about the issue, Mr. Hungund said. He said that he had also instructed the KIMS director to get the radiation equipment in the cancer wing repaired.

Mr. Hungund appreciated the maintenance of the Bala Mandir and said he would prevail upon the State government to increase the salaries for the nurses working there. He interacted with inmates at the sub-jail and asked them about the facilities being given. While entering a cell, Mr. Hungund said he got the smell of cigarette smoke and asked the officials to look into the issue.

Mr. Hungund said it was wrong to say that the KSRHC had become weak in the absence of a chairman. Several of the recommendations of the commission had been implemented, he said.

On complaints about cigarette addiction and bribe in the sub-jail, Mr. Hungund said such cases had been referred to the prisons’ director and action had been taken. Cases of abduction of children from hospitals were a serious issue and the commission would register suo motu cases and take action against culprits, he added.

Migration of expert doctors to Bengaluru may be another reason for the situation: C.G. Hungund

KIMS director instructed to purchase more equipment for angiography