Yediyurappa directs pvt medical college hospitals to give 50 percent beds for COVID cause
Bengaluru: Cracking the whip against some private medical college hospitals for their non-cooperation, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Saturday directed them to provide 50 percent of beds as promised by them "with effect from tomorrow itself."
"The Chief Minister directed the private medical college hospitals to provide 50 percent of the beds with effect from tomorrow itself as there is an acute increase in the number of COVID 19 cases reported in Bengaluru," his office said in a press release.
This is the third meeting by the chief minister with the private medical college hospital owners, said officials, adding that in the first meeting, the hospital authorities were asked to reserve 50 percent of beds for coronavirus patients.
When they did not fall in line, the second meeting was convened but there was no change in their behavior, the officials said.
The chief minister was compelled to convene another meeting and issue stern directions to them, according to the officials.
Yediyurappa said the private medical college hospitals need to cooperate as there is a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in the city.
"It has come to the notice of the government that some institutes are denying treatment for COVID as well as non-COVID patients," Yediyurappa was quoted as saying in the statement issued by the CMO.
The chief minister expressed concern over media reports about several people dying as they did not get timely assistance due to denial of treatment by hospitals, it said.
The chief minister told the authorities of the private institutions that Bengaluru should continue to lead the country in being a role model for COVID management.
According to the CMO, during the previous meeting, private medical colleges had agreed upon providing around 4,500 beds, which would make the total beds available in government and private medical colleges to 6,500.
The chief minister expressed dismay over some colleges not providing the number of beds as promised and also about certain lacunae which were noticed by ministers during their visits to these institutions.
"During this emergency situation we should respond with humanity. COVID and Non-COVID patients shall not be denied treatment and the balance in the healthcare system shall be maintained," Yediyurappa advised the private hospital owners.
He also assured them of all support including providing doctors and nurses, if need be.
The private medical colleges too assured him that 50 percent of beds would be provided and some colleges offered 80 percent of the beds for COVID treatment, the CMO said.
According to the CMO, nodal officers have already been appointed to monitor the availability of beds in these medical colleges.
It was decided to issue a notice to Vaidehi Medical College for their absence, the statement added.
The government has already put a cap on the treatment cost ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 a day.
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Regret participating in 'movement' that vilified ex-PM Manmohan Singh: Prashant Bhushan
New Delhi: Senior advocate and activist Prashant Bhushan has expressed regret over his past role in political movements that, he said, contributed to the vilification of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Bhushan made the remarks in a post on social media on the first death anniversary of Manmohan Singh.
In his post, Bhushan described Manmohan Singh as “a humble, decent, well educated and well meaning man,” adding that the former prime minister’s humility and decency were “seen as a weakness.” He said he regretted having participated in a movement that helped discredit Singh and, in his words, “helped a rogue regime come to power.”
Bhushan’s statement is widely seen as a reference to the anti-corruption movement that gained momentum during the second United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, when Manmohan Singh was prime minister. The movement, led by civil society activists, had targeted corruption allegations against the government and eventually reshaped India’s political landscape. Critics have since argued that the campaign contributed to undermining Singh’s leadership and paved the way for a change in government at the Centre.
Manmohan Singh, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, was known for his low-profile style, technocratic approach and role in shaping India’s economic reforms.
He was a humble, decent, well educated & well meaning man. His humility & decency was seen as a weakness.
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) December 26, 2025
I regret having participated in a movement that vilified him & helped a rogue regime come to power pic.twitter.com/6JWOrdCZdE
