CM Bommai tells doctors to make healthcare affordable to all

MYSURU: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday urged the scientists to make efforts and conduct research to produce inexpensive drugs and provide affordable treatment to as many people as possible, especially those in rural areas, who are unable to access medical care owing to overpriced drugs and interventions.

The CM was speaking at the inaugural address at Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysuru. He inaugurated the students’ hostels, skill lab and other facilities at institute.

Bommai said he will allocate funds in the coming budget for setting up an R&D Centre at the Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMCRI), Karnataka’s first medical college which is celebrating its centenary in 2024. The state’s top 10-15 medical colleges can also take up research for making affordable drugs and providing affordable treatment, he suggested.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai felicitating Krishnaraja MLA S A Ramadass at the Mysore Medical College and Research Institute on Monday.

“Every year, around 5,000 students enter the medical profession, but still there is a shortage of doctors. These doctors must serve at least two years in government hospitals as they will see the most complicated medical challenges in these hospitals. The medicos must also focus on serving the poor”, the CM said. “Our government has given importance to the health sector and has distributed hearing aids free of cost to the needy people for which the government is spending Rs 500 crore”, he said further.

Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar, Water Resources Minister Govind Karjol and others were present during the event. (ANI)