Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS/HB)
Udupi, Apr 1: Karavali Youth Club of the city, led by psychiatrist Dr P V Bhandary, held a foot march from Gandhi statue at Malpe to deputy commissioner’s (DC) office in Manipal on Friday April 1, urging to open a government medical college in the district.
Addressing the protesters, Dr Bhandary said, “This foot march is organized in order to celebrate All Fools’ Day in a meaningful manner. Though Udupi district is formed 22 years ago, various governments have failed to provide a government medical college to the district. Politicians are not taking initiatives. Though brilliant students are able to get merit seats, they have to shell out lacs of rupees as fee in private medical colleges.
“In government medical colleges, a student can complete his education within Rs 50,000. None of the political parties have given justice in this regard to Udupi district. Let the government, which is trying to establish medical college with private participation, should allow the government also to function in PPP model. Many agencies are ready for such an opportunity.
“We do not want establishment of medical college with 50:50 participation. The administration of such a college will fail miserably. Though there are five MLAs in the district of Udupi, all have failed to get a government medical college allotted to the district. I had opposed earlier when the government established hospital under PPP model. Private companies do not have information with regards to health sector. They run the business for five years and then lift up their hands. Though there are few people in this protest, we will hold protest on mammoth scale in future,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashok, president of Karavali Youth Club, said, “Udupi is a district of intelligent people. But we are fools. After 22 years, district hospital of Udupi was upgraded. The government should provide basic infrastructure. If a government medical college is established, there is no need for anyone to go abroad for medical studies. We have to make the public aware of this fact. This is just beginning of the protest. In future, we will try to create awareness in every assembly.”
The foot march began from Gandhi statue at Malpe and proceeded via Malpe police station, Malpe bus stand, Kalmady, Adiudupi, Karavli bypass, Bannanje, Udupi city bus stand, Kunjibettu, Indrali, Manipal Syndicate Cirlce.
Appeals will be submitted to the DC, MLAs and MP. Members of Karavali Youth Club and like-minded people participated in the foot march.