Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jun 23: A day after visits to Wenlock and Lady Goschen hospitals in Mangaluru on June 22, Lokayukta Justice Vishwanath Shetty paid surprise visit to the district hospital in Ajjarkad along with other officials on Saturday, June 23.
He also interacted with district surgeon Sudarshan Nayak, hospital staff and patients.
Speaking to media after the visit he said, "I have collected information from the Lokayukta police. My first priority is to see that good service is being provided to the poor and needy. Quality education to poor students is also my priority. Through surprise visits, we get to know and experience ground realities."
Speaking on the hospital, he said, "A number of patients come here to get treated. That shows the service provided by the physicians is good. Patients are assured good health after being treated here. Government hospital physicians are always under pressure. There is need to strengthen them. People should stop criticizing old mistakes.
"Basic amenities must be improved in the hospital. I was here during my college days in 1962. But even after 55 years, the situation has not improved on the expected lines. The government should look into it. I will try to bring this to the notice of the government," he said.
Responding to a question on Koosamma Shambhu Shetty Memorial Haji Abdullah Women and Child Hospital, he said, "The hospital has not opened for the public so far. I would not like to comment on this matter. Both the state government and Dr B R Shetty should meet their promises. I would not bother much about public opinion. Whatever I can do, I will definitely do it."
Answering a question on strengthening the Lokayukta, he said, "If the government wants to strengthen the Lokayukta, it will do it. Lokayukta police are functioning all over the state. I am working beyond my capacity. This matter is in court. Our opinion has been conveyed through the lawyer. I do not want to express my opinion in front of the media.
"People should not feel that the Lokayukta is powerless. I am doing my best. I started working before I was fully cured after I was attacked in Bengaluru," he said.