Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Feb 28: State minister for medical education Sharan Prakash Patil on Tuesday February 28 inaugurated 'Physiocon-2017' hosted by School of Allied Health Science (SOAHS), Manipal University at Chaitya Hall, Fortune Inn Valley View, Manipal here.
In his address, the minister expressed his admiration for the University campus and appreciated it fo imparting quality education. "Quality education is the only way to achieve overall development. India has seen an industrial revolution, but it lacks resources. Its strength is its manpower. We can convert liability into asset by using manpower. Manipal University is doing this job by moulding young professionals. This can be possible only through commitment, imagination and farsightedness," he said.
U T Ifthikar Ali, executive president, Karnataka State Physiotherapy Federation also spoke.
Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor, Manipal University spoke a few words about the college. Dr H Vinod Bhat, vice-chancellor delivered the welcome address. Vaishali K proposed the vote of thanks.
Narayana Sabhahit, registrar, Dr B Rajashekar, dean, School of Allied Health Science, Surendra Shetty and others were present.
New Medical Colleges
After the stage function, minister Patil, speaking to media persons said, "The health department is planning to establish more government medical colleges in the district headquarters across the state in order to offer more seats under merit quota especially to students from poor families. Another problem is we have very few teaching hospitals in each district. So, the department has decided to convert non-functional district hospitals into teaching medical hospitals. By doing this, district government hospitals can give the best treatment to at least one patient.
"Six government medical colleges have been established in the last four years in six places namely Kalaburagi, Koppal, Gadag, Chamarajanagar, Kodagu and Karwar.
"Six more colleges were announced in the budget in 2014, to be establlished at Bagalkot, Haveri, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Chikkaballapur and Yadagir, but we are awaiting nod from the finance department.
"The deparment has upgraded Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru at a cost of Rs 120 crore from central government funds. Also, we have decided to establish two superspeciality hospitals in Hubballi and Ballari and two trauma centers in Kalaburagi and Mysuru," said Patil.
Responding to a question on the privatization of the district hospital in Udupi, Patil said, "I am always for philanthropy and would like to extend my support."
Regarding the diary issue surrounding the Congress, Patil said,"Whenever election comes near, all such things come up. This is nothing but politically motivated. The Congress is open to any investigation without any fear. At the same time, there should be an investigation into the Sahara diaries issue too."
"The opposition is doing only publicity while the Congress people are working for the betterment of the people. The opposition has no moral right to speak on corruption. The current state government is better than the earlier one as our party has not indulged in any corruption so far," Patil said.