By The News Observer Desk,
Karwar: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday assured the people of Karwar and Ankola that their long-pending demand for a super-specialty hospital would soon become a reality. “We will sanction it in the next budget, and when it is ready, I will personally come to inaugurate it,” he declared, drawing loud applause from the gathering.
The Chief Minister, along with Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, lit the traditional lamp to inaugurate four major development projects worth nearly ₹300 crore in Uttara Kannada district.
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450-Bed Hospital Building Takes Centre Stage
The highlight of the day was the inauguration of a brand-new 450-bed multi-specialty hospital building at the Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences campus. The modern facility is expected to significantly boost healthcare access for thousands of families in the coastal belt.
The other projects unveiled included:
- A bridge on State Highway-93 at km 82.50 in the Khanapur–Talaguppa stretch in Yellapur taluk
- A new inspection bungalow in Yellapur town
- A tourist bungalow in Mundgod taluk
Addressing a well-attended function at the medical college campus, Siddaramaiah did not mince words while criticising the previous BJP government. “They did not carry out development work here. But our Congress government will fulfil every demand of yours, step by step,” he assured.
“We Are Repaying the Trust”
Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar thanked the people for giving Congress a strong mandate. “We are repaying that trust through development,” he said. Praising the medical fraternity, he added, “Our doctors are among the brightest in the country. That is why they are serving not just across India but around the world.”
He also promised that demands raised by local MLA Satish Sail would be addressed soon.
Calling on industrialists to invest in the coastal belt, Shivakumar stressed the need to generate local employment. “Our government has ensured peace in this region. There have been no communal disturbances, and we will not allow any,” he said firmly.
Health Infrastructure Push
Health Minister Sharan Prakash Patil revealed that ₹1.98 crore had already been spent to equip the new hospital building with essential facilities. “Our vision is to have a government medical college and a multi-specialty hospital in every district,” he said.
Minister Mankal S. Vaidya highlighted that the Congress government was delivering on its promises, including the five guarantee schemes. “In 2028, people will once again elect Congress,” he predicted, while urging for more industries in the coastal districts to create better job opportunities for youth.
A Long Political Struggle
MLA Satish Sail recalled the years-long struggle to establish the medical college in Karwar. “It was once set to go to a private society. But because of our continuous efforts, Karwar got a government medical college eight years ago,” he said.
In an emotional moment, Sail referred to his earlier public promise. “I had said I would resign if Karwar did not get a multi-specialty hospital. Today, with the Chief Minister’s support, that promise stands fulfilled,” he said.
Senior Congress leader and former minister R. V. Deshpande described the new facilities as a major relief for poor families. From the stage, he urged the Chief Minister to go a step further. “North Kannada still needs a full-fledged super-specialty hospital. Please announce it in the next budget,” he appealed.
The event was jointly organised by the district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences and the Public Works Department. Several elected representatives and officials, including MLA Bheeman Naik, were present at the function.
Reporting and Videography by Saikiran Babrekar
