Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai Calls for Health Reforms in Karnataka

Hubballi, Karnataka – On Friday, Former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai emphasized the need for special courses and cadres in medical education to improve public health and ensure the poor receive treatment without financial burden. Speaking at a health festival organized by the ‘Samyukta Karnataka’ newspaper, Bommai highlighted the link between poverty and health, urging lawmakers to recognize this connection.

Bommai noted that poverty exists at various levels in India, including extreme poverty, poverty, lower-middle class, and middle class. He stressed that issues of cleanliness and access to nutritional food are prevalent where there is poverty, leading to various diseases, especially among children. He called for a focus on the health of the poor and reforms in the medical education system.

Bommai criticized the current medical education system, which he said is based on a Western model and is expensive, making it accessible only to the wealthy and middle class. He pointed out that it takes eight years and costs up to four to five crore rupees to become a doctor, even for government seats. These doctors often end up working in private hospitals, serving the rich, while the health problems of the poor remain unaddressed.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government improved hospital infrastructure by equipping district and major taluk hospitals with ventilators, oxygen facilities, and ICUs. However, Bommai noted that poor maintenance in some areas has led people to turn to private services, which needs to be addressed.

Bommai also mentioned that during the previous BJP tenure, dialysis cycles were increased, clinics were established, and cochlear implant systems were introduced for those with hearing impairments. He emphasized the need for more reforms, particularly in North Karnataka, where the patient-to-bed and doctor ratios are significantly imbalanced.

He highlighted the difficulties faced by the poor, stating that treatment is often only provided if they can pay one lakh rupees or have insurance. He called for a fundamental change to address corruption and ensure that society stands with the poor.

Bommai acknowledged the significant role of newspapers, noting that Mahatma Gandhi understood their importance in India’s freedom struggle. He praised ‘Samyukta Karnataka’ for its unique journalistic strength and its role in the unification of Karnataka. He also commended Y.B. Venkatesh for steering the newspaper through difficult times and securing its future.

The event was attended by Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, MP Jagadish Shettar, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Aravind Bellad, Legislative Council Member Y.B. Venkatesh, and others.