Government committed to providing quality healthcare for the underprivileged: CM Siddaramaiah
Mangaluru: The state government is determined to ensure quality healthcare for the underprivileged, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the regional office of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) at Mary Hill on Friday, he emphasised the need for government institutions to work with a people-centric approach.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s aim to make public hospitals as hygienic and well-maintained as private ones, ensuring quality medical facilities are accessible to all. "We are striving to create a system where even the wealthy and politicians like us feel comfortable visiting government hospitals," he said.
He also noted that RGUHS, announced in the previous budget, is Asia’s largest health sciences university, with over 3.5 lakh medical students. The institution is expected to play a pivotal role in producing skilled medical professionals and providing high-quality healthcare services.
Siddaramaiah urged the university to focus on research to simplify healthcare services for the public and make top-notch medical services affordable for the underprivileged. He also encouraged medical graduates to remain in the healthcare sector and contribute to society instead of seeking opportunities elsewhere.
The CM informed that medical colleges have been directed to provide free healthcare services to BPL cardholders. He also expressed hope that the newly constructed regional office would maintain high standards of functionality and infrastructure.
RGUHS Vice-Chancellor Dr. M.K. Ramesh shared details about the advanced facilities planned for the regional centre, including an innovative simulation lab, a sports complex, an upgraded fitness centre, recreational amenities, air-conditioned auditoriums, and advanced research centres.
Speaker U.T. Khader, a guest of honour at the event, said that establishing the RGUHS regional centre had been a long-standing dream. He hoped it would become a source of pride for the coastal region.
Minister for Medical Education Dr. Sharan Prakash Rudrappa Patil stated that the government is focused on decentralising authority, providing quality education, and enhancing skills for students. He noted that Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have the highest number of medical colleges in the country and emphasised the government’s commitment to providing affordable healthcare to the underprivileged.
The event was attended by Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, MP Brijesh Chowta, MLAs Dr. Bharath Shetty, Vedavyas Kamath, Ashok Kumar Rai, Ivan D’Souza, Dr. Manjunath Bhandari, and others, along with senior officials, including Dr. Sujata Rathod, Dr. Triveni, and several members of the RGUHS senate.
The Chief Minister reiterated the necessity of establishing a government medical college in Dakshina Kannada despite the availability of quality healthcare in Mangaluru. "A government medical college for every district is my vision, and we are considering steps in this direction," he said.
Prof. Dr. UT Iftikhar Ali, Chairman of the Karnataka State Allied and Health Protection Council, delivered the vote of thanks towards the end of the event.
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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
