Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Sep 7: Karnataka minister, Pramod Madhwaraj, who had earlier feigned ignorance about the plan to privatize district government women's and children hospital here, said on Tuesday September 6 that the decision to entrust management of this hospital to private party was taken by the cabinet.

Replying to questions of media persons, Madhwaraj said he does not have full details of the privatization scheme. "If the privatization in any way results in injustice to poor patients, I will surely oppose it," he stressed.

The minister further stated that only a decision about privatization has been taken by the state cabinet and memorandum of understanding is yet to be signed. "As this is an issue relating to health department, I do not have detailed information about it. In the matter of taking decisions pertaining to departments handled by me, I do not consult other ministers before taking decision," he said in justification thereof.

Madhwaraj said that the poor should not face problem in getting free treatment at the hospital even after privatization. At the same time, he felt that it would be wrong to construe that privatization of hospital is solely aimed at earning profit. As Haji Abdulla had donated space for the hospital, the district hospital at Ajjarkad will be named after him, he added.