Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader visited the Udupi District Government Hospital and the Udupi Mother & Child Hospital on Sunday and issued a decisive directive: the achievements of these public facilities must be broadcast to the public through scheduled press conferences. He instructed heads of district hospitals to organise bi‑monthly briefings, while taluk‑level hospitals are to do so monthly, ensuring that successful surgeries and treatment outcomes receive consistent media coverage.

Building Trust Through Transparency

Khader emphasized that regular public disclosures will bolster confidence in government hospitals, encouraging citizens—especially those from lower‑income groups—to seek quality care at affordable prices. By spotlighting success stories, the ministry hopes to counter lingering misconceptions about public healthcare quality and to drive higher patient footfall across the state’s network of hospitals.

Maternal Care Numbers Speak Volumes

The Udupi Mother & Child Hospital now records more than 150 deliveries each month. Khader highlighted that the monthly delivery count at Mangalore’s Government Lady Goschen Hospital surpasses the combined total of all private hospitals in the city. Such data underscores the pivotal role of public maternity services in delivering large‑scale, cost‑effective care.

Out‑Patient Load and Service Quality

At the Udupi District Government Hospital, daily outpatient visits exceed 800, spiking to over 900 on Mondays. The minister praised the positive feedback from patients regarding surgical outcomes and overall treatment quality, urging doctors and specialists to further elevate service standards.

Next Steps and Strategic Meetings

Khader announced a special meeting in Bengaluru on July 16 to discuss the renovation of the old Mother & Child Hospital building and the upgrade of facilities in its new wing. The meeting will bring together senior health officials, including Deputy Commissioner T.K. Swaroopa, District Surgeon H. Ashok, and District Health Officer Basavaraj Hubballi, to ensure swift implementation of infrastructure improvements.

Overall, the initiative to publicise medical successes is poised to transform Karnataka’s public health narrative, fostering greater transparency, enhancing patient trust, and reinforcing the state’s commitment to delivering high‑quality, affordable healthcare.