Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 10: To strengthen rural healthcare in Dakshina Kannada, the central government has sanctioned over Rs 80 crore for the construction of 124 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) under the 15th Finance Commission plan and the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), said Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta.
“The funding covers 18 centres in Puttur, 26 in Beltangady, 27 in Sullia, 33 in Bantwal, 12 in Moodbidri and eight in Mangaluru,” Chowta said, adding that in Bantwal taluk, 24 centres are funded under the Finance Commission plan and nine under the PM-ABHIM scheme. Work has commenced at 11 locations, while the tender process is underway for the remaining centres. Establishment of all sanctioned centres will begin soon, he said.
Chowta and Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik performed the foundation-laying ceremony for 11 HWCs in Bantwal at Moodupadukodi.
“Each Health and Wellness Centre has been allocated Rs 65 lac. The buildings will cover around 2,000 square feet, with the ground floor housing a clinic, wellness centre, day-care facility and restrooms, while the first floor will provide residential quarters for the health officer. These centres will significantly enhance healthcare services for rural residents,” Chowta said.
He added, “With the aim of strengthening healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, the PM-ABHIM scheme under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the 15th Finance Commission plan approved funding for AB-HWCs in almost all taluks of Dakshina Kannada district. These centres will help provide essential healthcare services even in villages that currently lack Primary Health Centres.”
In the Bantwal Assembly constituency, HWCs will be established at Badaga Bellur, Ananthadi, Amtadi, Sarapady, Devasypadur, Moodupadukodi, Veerakamba, Mangila Padavu, Gadiyara, Balthila, Amtur, Panemangaluru, Polali, Uli, Shambur, Sooribailu, Kolnadu, Kulalu, Kuriyala, Kalige, Kavalakatte and Karpe.
Across Dakshina Kannada, the total over Rs 80 crore allocation will fund the 124 HWCs, ensuring that even remote villages gain access to quality healthcare, boosting rural health infrastructure and services across the district.