Activists stage protest demanding release of funds for super-speciality hospital in Karnataka’s Hassan

Activists of various progressive organisations of Karnataka’s Hassan on Friday staged a protest urging the State government to release funds required for the super-speciality hospital in the district to begin operations, the structure of which is ready and functional.

The representatives of Left parties, Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, senior journalists, writers, and activists of different forums participated in the dharna held in front of the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences. The structure meant for the super-speciality hospital had already been constructed. However, it required essential equipment and staff to start its activities.

The protesters said that hundreds of people from Hassan and neighbouring districts visit the hospital every day. Recently, there had been reports of sudden deaths in the district due to various reasons, and if the super speciality hospital were fully functional, the deaths could have been avoided, they added.

H.R. Naveen Kumar, district president of Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha, said that the government should release ₹60 crore for the hospital to become operational. Otherwise, the structure would remain non-functional, he added. “We have been demanding the improvement of health service systems in the district from the government, for the benefit of the poor,” Mr. Kumar said.

Later in the day, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who is also the Minister in charge of the district, along with Lok Sabha member Shreyas M. Patel met the protesters and interacted with them regarding their demands. The Minister said that he was aware of the issue, and assured the protesters that he would discuss it with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others concerned for the release of the funds.

Writer Rupa Hassan, senior journalist R.P. Venkateshamurthy, CITU leader Dharmesh, Dalit activist H.K. Sandesh, and others were part of the protest.