Bhatkal: In a significant development for healthcare services in the region, Uttara Kannada district in-charge minister, Mankala S. Vaidya, inaugurated the CT scan, ICU, and Operation Theater at Life Care Specialty Hospital on Saturday.

During the inauguration, Minister Vaidya emphasized the importance of contributions from non-resident Indians (NRIs) and those working abroad in establishing well-equipped hospitals and businesses in Bhatkal. He called on these individuals to allocate funds for the town’s development, particularly in healthcare.

“After four years since its inception, Life Care Hospital has upgraded to state-of-the-art facilities. The hospital currently boasts 50 beds, and there is no doubt that it will evolve into a 200-bed super specialty hospital in the near future,” said Vaidya. He assured that the government would support and cooperate in the hospital's development.

He further highlighted the government's efforts in improving infrastructure in Bhatkal. "Grants have been provided for road, electricity, and drinking water systems in Bhatkal town. To address potential water shortages, arrangements are being made to bring drinking water from Honnavar at a cost of Rs 220 crore. Additionally, Rs 25 crore has been allocated for widening the Bhatkal Port-Sea Road and another Rs 25 crore for various road works within the town," Vaidya informed.

Dr. U.T. Iftikhar Ali, a senate member of Mangalore Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, was the chief guest at the event. He stressed the need for a well-equipped hospital in Bhatkal and assured that the Rajiv Gandhi University would offer full cooperation for any medical institutions to be established. He praised the provision of advanced facilities and the presence of expert doctors at Life Care Hospital, noting their benefit to the local population.

The chairman of Life Care Hospital, Yunus Kazia, who presided over the program, explained the transformation of Life Care Hospital into Life Care Specialty Hospital for the benefit of the people. He stated that with expert doctors and advanced medical systems in place, residents no longer need to travel to other towns for treatment. "We aim to increase the hospital’s bed capacity and provide more medical facilities with everyone’s cooperation in the coming days," Kazia said.

The event saw speeches from several dignitaries, including Dr. Savita Kamath, Administrative Medical Officer of Government Hospital; Jamaatul Muslimeen Chief Qazi Maulana Abdul Rab Nadvi; and Markazi Khalifa Jamaat Chief Qazi Maulana Khwaja Mohiyuddin Akrami Nadvi.

Hospital Director Altaf, Managing Director Muhammad Salman Jubapu, and Director Zulfikar Ali were present on the stage. Muhammad Salman Jubapu welcomed the guests and delivered an introductory speech, while Zulfikar Ali introduced the guests.

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Washington (PTI): President Donald Trump is addressing reporters at the White House after he and other top leaders of the United States were evacuated from an annual dinner of White House correspondents on Saturday night after a shooting incident outside the ballroom.

Trump said the suspect was armed with multiple weapons before stopped by Secret Service. One officer was shot, but he was protected by a bulletproof vest.

“He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job,” Trump said.