Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 30: Karnataka Bank as part of its CSR initiative has sponsored 50 units of Electrocardiography Machines (ECG) at a total cost of Rs 11,50,000 to needy Udupi gram panchayat centres and sub centres. The initiative implemented in association with Cardiology at Door Steps Foundation Trust based out of Mangaluru will help in providing better diagnostic services related to early detection of heart diseases. The first lot of 10 units of ECG machines were handed over on Satuday October 30 by Mahabaleshwara M S, MD & CEO at the bank’s head office, Mangaluru.

Speaking at the occasion, Mahabaleshwara M S, MD & CEO, said,  “A vast majority of our population below the poverty line are dependent on PHCs for receiving medical treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care as close to their everyday environment. It is important that corporate institutions support the initiatives of government of India in ramping up the medical infrastructure in the public sector. With this support of Karnataka Bank, Udupi district will be the first district to have ECG facility in all its gram panchayat centres and sub centres. Karnataka Bank through this initiative has re-affirmed its commitment towards achieving the goal of universal health coverage."

Expressing his happiness, Dr Padmanabh Kamath, leading cardiologist and Managing Trustee of Cardiology at Door Steps Foundation Trust, Mangaluru said, “It is a huge gesture from Karnataka Bank to support the Udupi gram panchayat centres and sub centres covering the entire Udupi District. With improved diagnostic facilities, I am sure that the rural PHCs will now be able to provide better preventive healthcare services to under-served and less privileged sections of the society.”

Balachandra Y V, chief operating officer, Gokuldas Pai, chief business officer, Raja B S, general manager and Srinivas Deshpande, assistant general manager and representatives of panchayat were also present on the occasion.