Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Sep 30: "When the government faces obstacles in providing health services to the public, private entities are cooperating," lauded Shivananda S Patil, minister for health. The minister promised to upgrade Udupi government hospital as the district hospital.

Patil was speaking after inaugurating the 'Arogya Suraksha Card' distribution programme, organized under the joint aegis of G Shankar Family Trust, Mogaveera youth union and MAHE of Manipal, that was held at the Shyamili auditorium, Ambalpadi on Saturday, September 29.

Minister Patil at 'Arogya Suraksha Card' distribution programme

Minister Patil visiting government hospital

Continuing his inaugural speech Patil said, "The thought of Dr G Shankar in this direction, even before the implementation of the government health schemes of 'Karnataka Arogya Yojane' and 'Central Ayushman Yojane' is really commendable."

Aim to provide health to 1.2 crore families

Patil further said, "Central government is giving 'Arogya Bhagya' to 50 crore families through 'Ayushman Yojana'. We are trying to give health service to 1.2 crore families out of which 62 lac will be covered under the central scheme and rest 58 lac families will be given care under the state health scheme. In this service, health service up to the cost of Rs five lac per year per family will be available."

Assurance of cooperation from the government

"Udupi has the distinction of the district which has made the highest amount of blood donation in the state. It is really admirable that this noble deed is being carried out under the leadership of the Mogaveera community. The technical cooperation given by the MAHE University of Manipal to this community is also appreciable," said minister Patil.

With regards to health care to women and children, the minister assured, "With regards to the matter of women and children's hospital, the government is always with you. Earlier issues, if any, will be corrected. I will also inform Dr B R Shetty to make the hospital convenient for commoners."

Service to be extended to Vijayapur district

Dr G Shankar, promoter of the trust, who did the introduction said, "At present 1.35 lac people are getting the benefit through 30,000 health cards. We are distributing cards since the past 12 years which has benefitted more than 10 lac people. Minister Patil is from Vijayapur. The service, which we are rendering here will be extended to Vijayapur also.

Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor of MAHE University distributed the cards to the beneficiaries. K Raghupati Bhat, MLA, Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent of Manipal hospital, Shalini Shankar and Ravi Prakash, officer on special duty to the minister were present.

Vinay Karkera Malpe, president of Mogaveera Youth Organization Malpe, presided over the function. Jaya C Kotian, former president of the organization welcomed the gathering. Shankar Salian, member of the trust, rendered the vote of thanks. Chandresh Pitrodi compered the programme.

The cards that were meant to be distributed to the artists of Yakshagana were collected by Ganesh Rao, president of Yakshagana Kalaranga and Murali Kadekar, secretary.