Government, private medical colleges to adopt health centres across Karnataka

The Karnataka state government and private medical colleges have agreed to collaborate in a bid to enhance healthcare services at the grassroots level. This initiative, part of Chief Minister's 100-day programme, involves adopting taluk hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres across the state.

Under the agreement, every government and private medical college will assume responsibility for one taluk hospital, one community health centre, and one primary health centre in their respective districts. They will provide specialist medical services, training, and quality improvement support to these health centres, as per a joint circular issued by the Health and Medical Education departments.

The health centres to be adopted will be selected district-wise. Heads of medical colleges and district health officers are expected to sign agreements to deliver these services. This move aims to improve access to specialist doctors at taluk and community health centre levels, thereby reducing the need for patients to travel to district hospitals or medical colleges for treatment.

The arrangement is expected to bolster treatment for chronic diseases and surgical services at the secondary-care level. Medical colleges will offer the specialist services and other required support to the adopted facilities, with the goal of enhancing the quality and availability of care closer to the population.