Bhatkal: Bhatkal witnessed a significant milestone as the city’s first CT scan machine was inaugurated by Uttara Kannada District Incharge Minister, Mankal Vaidya, on Saturday. This inauguration took place at the Life Care Speciality Hospital located on Jali Road, adjacent to NH 66. Alongside the CT scan machine, an ICU and a modular operation theater were also launched, marking a new era in Bhatkal's healthcare services.

The inauguration ceremony, held at Rabita Hall, saw Minister Mankal Vaidya appealing to the non-resident Indians (NRIs) of Bhatkal to invest in the town's development projects, particularly in the healthcare sector. Emphasizing the disparity between Bhatkal and Mangalore in terms of medical infrastructure, Vaidya highlighted the potential for significant development if the NRIs contribute towards establishing a hi-tech hospital and a medical college in Bhatkal. He assured full government support for such initiatives.

Minister Vaidya commended the Life Care Hospital for its service over the past four years. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of hospital president Mr. Younis Qazia, who is also the President of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen Bhatkal, the hospital would expand from its current 49 beds to a 200-bed super specialty facility in the near future.

Addressing broader developmental issues, Vaidya announced a 25 crore rupees tender for constructing a double road from Bundar Road to Sagar Road. He also revealed plans for water supply improvements, including a project to supply water from Honnavar and clean the Kadvinkatta Dam. Additionally, efforts are underway to ensure round-the-clock electricity in Bhatkal with the completion of a 210 KV power line project, for which a tender of 25 crore rupees has been passed.

Rajiv Gandhi University Senate member Dr. Iftikhar Ali, a guest of honor at the event, underscored the importance of a super specialty hospital in Bhatkal. He assured support from the university for any medical education-related initiatives.

Presiding over the function, Mr. Yunus Qazia highlighted the hospital's commitment to providing expert medical services and advanced facilities, avoiding the need for Bhatkal residents to seek treatment in other cities. Plans for further expansion and additional medical facilities are underway to better serve the community.

The event was graced by numerous dignitaries, including Dr. Savita Kamat, Medical Officer of Bhatkal Taluka Hospital; Bhatkal Qazis Maulana Abdul Rab Khatibi Nadvi and Maulana Khawaja Moinuddin Akrami Madani; and senior Dr. Suresh Nayak. Hospital Director Altaf Musbah and Managing Director Salman Jubapu were also present, with Jubapu delivering the welcome address and introductory speech. Hospital administrator Zulfiqar Ali proposed a vote of thanks.

Prominent attendees included Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner Dr. Naina, President of Indian Nawayat Forum SM Arshad, and President of Bhatkal Community Jeddah Qamar Saada, along with various other officials. The inauguration marked a promising step forward for Bhatkal's healthcare infrastructure.