DK Shivakumar promises multi-specialty hospital for Uttara Kannada district

Karwar, December 28: (Bhatkallys News Bureau)  Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday assured that a multi-specialty hospital would be provided for Uttara Kannada district, saying the long-pending demand of the people would be addressed by the state government.

Speaking at the Karavali Utsava held at Ravindranath Tagore Beach in Karwar, Shivakumar said residents of the district were often forced to travel to Goa, Udupi and Mangaluru for advanced medical treatment. He said local MLA Satish Sail had raised this issue, highlighting the difficulties faced by patients and their families. “Providing a super or multi-specialty hospital to Karwar and Uttara Kannada is our responsibility,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the people of Uttara Kannada had strengthened the government by electing five MLAs and that the government had honoured its promises, including the implementation of the five guarantee schemes. He said the support of the people had given strength to the government to take up development works.

Shivakumar also said the government would frame a separate tourism policy for the coastal belt to generate employment and prevent migration of youth in search of jobs. He announced that a meeting to discuss tourism-related development would be held in Mangaluru on January 10.

Describing Uttara Kannada as a region rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, he spoke about its coastline, Western Ghats, languages, traditions and livelihoods linked to the sea, especially fishing and tourism.

Referring to the Karavali Utsava, Shivakumar said the festival had been revived after several years and appreciated the organisers for creating a platform for local artists and cultural expression. He said criticism was inevitable for any public programme but stressed that development work and public welfare would endure.

He added that the government stood with the people of Karwar and Uttara Kannada and would continue to work towards strengthening healthcare, employment and overall development in the district.