Wenlock Hospital to be modernised at Rs 10 crore: Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao

Team Udayavani, Nov 17, 2024, 9:46 AM IST

Mangaluru: The government has planned a Rs 10 crore modernization of Wenlock Hospital to enhance healthcare services, announced Karnataka Health Minister and Dakshina Kannada District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.

Speaking at a press conference held at Lady Goschen Hospital on Saturday, the minister stated that critical care infrastructure would be developed at Wenlock Hospital with a budget of Rs 24 crore. Additionally, a state-of-the-art IPHL laboratory worth Rs 1 crore will be set up.

Other upgrades include trauma center lab equipment, mortuary facilities, a paramedical building, post-mortem rooms, and a kitchen. A connecting bridge between two hospital blocks will also be constructed. Funding for these projects will come from departmental allocations and CSR funds from various organizations, he said.

Addressing complaints of public charges for MRI and CT scan facilities at the hospital, the minister said, “These services are currently maintained by HAL. If free services cannot be ensured, their agreement will be terminated, and new machines will be procured to provide free services to patients.” He added that MRI and CT scan facilities will be operational in 10 districts across the state from December.

Other Key Announcements:

• Bridge Repairs: Estimates for repairing the Addur-Polali bridge (Rs 6.10 crore) and Ulaibettu bridge (Rs 5 crore) have been prepared. A proposal for constructing a new bridge at Polali, requiring Rs 60 crore, is also under consideration.
• New OPD Block: Talks are underway with KMC Hospital’s management to establish a new OPD block at Wenlock. Discussions with the Chief Minister will follow soon.

Day-Care Chemotherapy Unit:

A day-care chemotherapy unit with 10 beds will be set up at Wenlock Hospital, as part of the government’s decision to introduce such facilities in all district hospitals. Operations will run in collaboration with Yenepoya Hospital until government oncologists are appointed. The center will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister next month, the minister announced.

District Health Officer Dr. Thimmayya, Lady Goschen Superintendent Dr. Durgaprasad, Wenlock Superintendent Dr. Shivakumar, and others were present at the press conference.