Newly inaugurated govt. health facility closed amidst political one upmanship

Urban Primary Health Centre in Jeppu inaugurated without District Minister, leading to closure and political controversy.

The Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) in Jeppu, which resumed its operation from its renovated building since its inauguration on Sunday, February 9, was ordered to be closed on Thursday as District in charge Minister and Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao was not invited for the inauguration.

Mayor Manoj Kumar, Mangaluru City South MLA D.Vedavyasa Kamath and MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta inaugurated an enclave comprising of the UPHC, veterinary hospital, eight flats of Mangaluru City Corporation staff, a bus bay and a walking path, in Jeppu, in Mangaluru. None of the government officials took part in the programme.

Following the inauguration, the health staff, who were working in ‘Namma Clinic’ in Sooterpet since last one month, moved to the new premises. Then people started to make use of services at the premises. On Thursday, vaccination drive was held at the premises in the morning, before it was closed following orders from District Health Officer H.R. Thimmaiah. The personnel moved back to Sooterpet. People who visited the new premises had to return disappointed to see the facility closed.

“Who are they to inaugurate the facility. Is it their property. There is no information to me or the Deputy Commissioner (M.P. Mullai Muhilan) about the inauguration,” Minister Mr. Rao told The Hindu. “I will visit the facility when I am in Mangaluru (on February 17),” Mr. Rao said. The Minister denied to comment on closure of the facility that was being used by people.

In a statement, Mr. Rao said not informing him or his office about the programme was clear violation of protocol. He has asked Chief Secretary to take action against officials.

Mayor Mr. Kumar said he had informed Deputy Commissioner Mr. Muhilan and Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner Ravichandra Nayak about the inauguration programme 10 days ago. “It is for the officials to inform the District in charge Minister,” he said.

Mangaluru City South MLA Kamath said it was on the invitation of Mayor that he and the MP took part in the programme. The facilities have come up in the land of MCC and it has come up using ₹7.85 crore of Mangaluru Smart City Limited funds, for which Central government has major share.