Karnataka to spend Rs 1500 crore to upgrade 149 taluk, 19 district hospitals

Deputy CM and State Covid task force head, Dr C.N. Ashwatha Narayana, informed that the state intends to upgrade the hospitals within a maximum timeline of three months before the third wave of Covid-19 hits.

Karnataka's Covid task force has approved to upgrade 149 taluk hospitals and 19 district hospitals in the state, excluding the ones under BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike), at a budget of 1500 crores to prepare for the possible third wave of the pandemic, Deputy CM and State Covid task force head, Dr C.N. Ashwatha Narayana, stated on Monday. Addressing a press conference after convening a meeting of the task force on Monday, Narayana, informed that the state intends to update the hospitals within a maximum timeline of three months. Task Force Sub Committee member C.C. Patil and minister Dr Sudhakar were also present at the meeting. The government aims to provide maximum health facilities at the taluk level and up to 97 per cent special health services in the district hospitals. Out of the estimated amount, around 800 crores will be needed for infrastructure, and the remaining Rs 600-700 crores will be needed towards salary expenses which will be recurring every year, Narayana explained.