Pics: Niranjan M N
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Oct 30: Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna has challenged the state government to openly admit if it lacks funds to complete the Udupi district hospital project, asserting that the five BJP MLAs from the district would jointly explore alternative arrangements, including financial assistance from donors, to ensure the hospital is completed.
Accusing the government of playing with the lives of poor and ordinary people who depend on the hospital for treatment from within and outside the district, Suvarna alleged that the government was neglecting both the construction work and the installation of essential medical equipment.
He demanded that the Udupi district hospital be developed into a fully equipped facility on the lines of the district hospitals in Karwar and Shivamogga. He urged the concerned government secretaries, ministers and district-level officials to discuss the installation of medical equipment specified in the tender and take necessary action. He insisted that the process be completed by November 15.
The hospital should be equipped with modern medical facilities, including X-ray, ICU and MRI equipment, he said. Pointing out that the district hospital would require three times the number of doctors currently available in taluk hospitals, he stressed the need for adequate medical staff. Instead of merely inaugurating the facility and seeking publicity through ribbon-cutting ceremonies, the government should address people's healthcare needs, he added.
Suvarna recalled that during the tenure of the Basavaraj Bommai-led government, the tender process for constructing a 250-bed hospital at an estimated cost of Rs 140 crore had been initiated, with Rs 118 crore allocated for the building. However, the present government was now stating that an additional Rs 40 crore or more was required.
"If the government does not have the funds, let it openly admit so. We will approach the central government and seek support from various organisations and private donors. The five BJP MLAs from the district will stand together and explore alternative arrangements to complete the hospital," he declared.
He also demanded that the government announce a clear deadline for completing the project, which was scheduled to be completed by December 23, and clarify when the pending funds would be released.
Criticising chief minister Siddaramaiah's reported remark, "Should I bring funds from my house?" when asked about allocations for development works, Suvarna said the statement reflected the government's own admission of a financial crunch.
Alleging that development activities across various departments in the district were progressing poorly, he said that putting up banners and delivering speeches would not translate into development. The government must ensure proper supervision of officials and get work done. If it was unable to deliver, it should admit so, failing which the BJP would launch protests on behalf of the people, he warned.
Raising concerns over the functioning of the Udupi urban development department, Suvarna alleged that staff shortages had affected its operations and that agents were being allowed to facilitate services, including e-Khata-related documentation. He called for an end to such practices.
He further alleged that people were being forced to make repeated visits to government offices for revenue-related services, including the preparation of title deeds. Questioning the situation, he asked whether the government itself was facilitating exploitation through officials or whether officials were independently exploiting the public.