Health minister announces major hospital policy overhauls

Shivamogga: Health minister UT Khader on Saturday announced major policy overhauls alongside an investigation into the controversial referral of a Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) patient from McGann Hospital to Mangaluru.After a departmental review meeting in Shivamogga, the minister, ordered an inquiry, emphasising that senior doctors must be available during night shifts and that patient rights must supersede medical convenience.To curb systemic negligence, Khader announced a zero-tolerance policy for lapses in maternal care, introducing a stringent two-stage investigation mechanism involving independent district and statelevel panels.

“Delivery is not a disease,” he stressed.To reinforce public healthcare infrastructure, the state is prioritising filling vacancies for doctors, ANMs, staff nurses, pharmacists and lab technicians at PHCs and taluk hospitals. A proposal has been submitted to offer enhanced remuneration and special allowances to incentivise medical personnel serving in remote, forested terrains, with permanent recruitment drives commencing shortly.

Furthermore, plans are under way to establish a brand-new, dedicated district hospital in Shivamogga, as McGann Hospital has transitioned to the medical education department.On the surge of 130 KFD cases and 5 deaths in the Malnad region, Khader confirmed the the state is pressuring the central govt to expedite ICMR research for an updated KFD vaccine, after the older version was discontinued under WHO guidelines.The minister also promised immediate intervention to resolve local drug shortages if lists of missing essential medicines are provided.