Old Tahsildar Office Site Proposed for Hospital Facility to Support Upcoming Medical College
PUTTUR, July 28: A proposal of ₹20 crore has been submitted to the state government for constructing a new hospital building at the site of the old Tahsildar office in Puttur, MLA Ashok Kumar Rai said.
Addressing the Puttur Public Hospital Health Protection Committee (Arogya Raksha Samiti) general meeting held at the Taluk Health Officer's office on Tuesday, the MLA said the proposed hospital would support the upcoming Puttur Government Medical College.
He explained that the government is planning to begin the medical college temporarily at the old court building in 2027 before shifting it to the permanent campus at Bannur. Since a fully functional hospital facility is essential for the medical college, the proposal to construct a new hospital building at the old Tahsildar office premises has been submitted along with the ₹750 crore medical college proposal.
"The Chief Minister and the Medical Education Minister have given approval in principle for starting the medical college in 2027. Necessary processes related to the project are already underway," he said.
Medical College Master Plan Includes Other Institutions
The MLA said the master plan prepared for the medical college campus at Bannur also includes provisions for a Physiotherapy College and Nursing College along with the medical college.
Hospital Staff Shortage Discussed
During the meeting, hospital administration informed that out of the 115 sanctioned posts, only 64 employees are currently working, while 58 personnel are engaged on a contract basis.
The committee discussed the need to submit proposals to the government for renovation of old buildings and construction of new facilities.
Other Key Decisions at the Meeting
- A proposal was discussed to purchase a new washing machine as the existing one has become old.
- Expansion of the dialysis waiting area was discussed, with an estimated cost of ₹5 lakh.
- If donors are not available, the expense may be met through hospital funds.
- Separate rooms for police personnel and medical trainees were proposed.
- A request was made to install streetlights near the hospital's main entrance.
- Measures were suggested to provide dialysis facilities for patients from the Kadaba region locally.
- Approval was given to invite quotations for purchasing new CCTV cameras for the hospital.
Concerns Over Medical Equipment Quality
During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the quality of some medical equipment supplied under the hospital's RK funds.
Assistant Commissioner Stella Varghese advised officials to submit a detailed report within two days regarding such issues and clearly mention required specifications while inviting future tenders. She also suggested rejecting equipment that does not meet the required standards.
The meeting was attended by Puttur Tahsildar S. B. Koodalagi, DySP Pramod Kumar, Health Protection Committee member Oscar Anand, members Aruna D. Rai, Sudesh Shetty and Siddique Sultan Sarve, Taluk Health Officer Dr. Deepak Rai, and hospital officials.
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Puttur Government Medical College, Puttur Hospital Expansion, ₹20 Crore Hospital Proposal, Ashok Kumar Rai MLA, Puttur Health Infrastructure, Old Tahsildar Building Site, Citizen News Puttur