Mangaluru: District In-charge and Health Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, announced that a formal proposal has been submitted to the government for the enhancement of the taluk hospital.

According to Rao, the existing 125-year-old hospital structure will be preserved while a new edifice will be erected to transform it into a 150-bed hospital. He conveyed this information to journalists during a press conference held in this regard.

Addressing the shortage of medical practitioners and equipment at primary health centres (PHCs) across the state, Rao outlined a phased action plan that has been devised to tackle this issue. He further explained that a recruitment drive to employ 500 staff members is currently underway to address the staffing shortage, with specific focus on physician recruitment involving a counseling process.

Rao additionally disclosed that arrangements are being made to establish a surgical unit specializing in bone treatments at the Puttur Government Hospital. He also mentioned that plans are in motion to equip the Puttur Government Hospital with MRI and CT scan facilities by the following year.

In regards to the Government Medical College in Puttur, Rao deferred the decision-making process to the Medical Education Department and the chief minister.

MLA Ashok Rai and many others were present.