Bengaluru: In a transformative move to bolster the state’s healthcare infrastructure, Karnataka’s medical education minister and Raichur district in-charge Sharanaprakash Patil has announced an extensive three-year roadmap to establish super specialty hospitals, trauma centres, cancer care facilities and cardiac hospitals in every district.
This initiative, under the leadership of chief minister Siddaramaiah, aims to make Karnataka a medically self-reliant state with equitable and affordable healthcare access for all, particularly in underserved rural areas.
Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
Speaking to the media after engaging with party workers at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office, Patil outlined the state’s vision to revolutionize public health systems. The plan focuses on ensuring timely medical interventions, even in remote regions, by establishing a robust network of advanced healthcare facilities. The government is prioritizing the creation of super specialty hospitals and trauma centres to address critical care needs, alongside dedicated cancer care and cardiac hospitals to tackle rising non-communicable diseases. This aligns with Karnataka’s three-tier healthcare system, which includes primary health centres, district hospitals, and tertiary-level specialty hospitals, ensuring comprehensive coverage across urban and rural areas.
Also Read: Karnataka CM unveils vision document for health sector reforms
Jayadeva Institute’s Expansion: A Leap in Cardiac Care
A key highlight of the initiative is the expansion of the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, a leading cardiac care institution in Southeast Asia. New branches are set to open in Hubballi and Belagavi, with construction already underway. A 400-bed Jayadeva hospital in Hubballi is slated to become operational next year, while a recently inaugurated 350-bed facility in Kalaburagi is already serving the backward Kalyana Karnataka region. Additionally, a 400-bed Jayadeva unit in Mysuru, operational since 2018, and a 350-bed Infosys Foundation block in Bengaluru, functional since 2021, have significantly enhanced the institute’s capacity to treat economically disadvantaged patients, with 80% of its 1,500-1,700 daily walk-in patients being below the poverty line.
CN Manjunath, former director of Jayadeva Institute, emphasized the institute’s patient-centric approach, with slogans like “treatment first, payment next” and “Humanity is priority.” The Kalaburagi facility has addressed a critical gap, as patients previously had to travel over 700 km to Bengaluru for cardiac care. The institute’s low attrition rates and world-class equipment further underscore its commitment to quality care.
Also Read: Karnataka CM writes to Centre for setting up AIIMS at Raichur
Medical Education Reforms: Transparency and Expansion
Patil reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency in the medical education department. Addressing concerns about seat allocations, he clarified that admissions are strictly merit-based through the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), with no scope for seat blocking. To meet the growing demand for medical professionals, the state has proposed adding 800 undergraduate and 600 postgraduate medical seats, with a proposal submitted to the Central Government. This move aims to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce and support its expanding infrastructure.
Feedback from party workers has also driven hospital upgrades, with ongoing projects in Kalaburagi and Dharwad to establish advanced facilities. These reforms are part of a broader strategy to enhance public-private partnerships and integrate traditional and modern medical systems, as seen in the Karnataka Arogya Sanjeevini Scheme (KASS), which offers cashless treatment for state government employees and includes AYUSH systems.
Also Read:Karnataka launches Rastha to train people handle accident victims
Jyothi Sanjeevini Scheme: Supporting Government Employees
Complementing the infrastructure push is the Jyothi Sanjeevini Scheme, a cashless health insurance program for Karnataka government employees and their dependents. Covering up to ₹1.5 lakh annually, the scheme includes 449 medical procedures across seven specialties, such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, burns, poly-trauma, genitourinary, and neonatal care. Beneficiaries can access treatment at empanelled hospitals like Apollo BGS, Bharat Cancer Hospital, and Sri Jayadeva Institute. The scheme, managed by the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust, ensures seamless verification using KGID numbers and Aadhaar cards, with no additional registration required.
Yuva Nidhi Scheme: Empowering Karnataka’s Youth
Beyond healthcare, Patil provided updates on the Yuva Nidhi scheme, a flagship initiative to support youth employment and skill development. With over 2.86 lakh youth enrolled, the scheme is set for enhancements to improve its reach and effectiveness. These updates aim to streamline implementation, ensuring more young beneficiaries can access opportunities for skill training and livelihoods, aligning with Karnataka’s broader vision of inclusive development.
Also Read: Karnataka’s forest officer violates SC rule on inspection bungalows
A Vision for a Healthier Karnataka
Karnataka’s healthcare strategy is poised to set a benchmark for universal health coverage in India. By integrating advanced infrastructure, transparent medical education reforms, and inclusive schemes like Jyothi Sanjeevini and Yuva Nidhi, the state is addressing both immediate healthcare needs and long-term socio-economic challenges. With ongoing projects and a clear roadmap, Karnataka is on track to deliver accessible, high-quality healthcare to every corner of the state within the next three years.
This comprehensive push not only strengthens Karnataka’s public health system but also reinforces its commitment to equitable development, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of location or economic status, has access to life-saving medical care and opportunities for growth.
