Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development and Livelihood Dr Sharan Prakash Patil speaking in the Legislative Council (Photo by arrangement)
Belagavi: In a significant step towards decentralizing cancer care, the state government has decided to set up cancer hospitals at five locations across Karnataka.
Responding to a question by M Nagaraj on Monday, Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development and Livelihood Dr Sharan Prakash Patil told the Legislative Council that the government has already initiated steps to set up well-equipped cancer hospitals in Karwar, Mandya, Shivamogga, Mysuru, and Tumakuru.
Patil added that if suitable land is identified, the government is seriously considering constructing a state-of-the-art cancer hospital in Belagavi.
“Initially, there were plans to open a cancer hospital at the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS), but land constraints hindered the proposal,” he said.
Dr. Patil mentioned that legislators have differing opinions regarding establishing a cancer hospital in Belagavi. The government will consider all viewpoints before making a final decision.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to accessible healthcare, Dr. Patil stated, “We provide free treatment to Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders in cancer hospitals, while Above Poverty Line (APL) cardholders are charged a nominal fee of 30 percent. Quality treatment, infrastructure, cleanliness, and nutritious food are ensured at district and taluk hospitals. There is no scope for politicizing this issue.”
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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