Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced plans to sanction a superspecialty hospital in Karwar during the upcoming budget, following a visit to the coastal district. He made the pledge after inaugurating a new 450-bed multi-specialty hospital at the Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences (KRIMS).

The chief minister also launched a bridge on State Highway-93 in Khanapur-Talaguppa (Yellapur taluk), an inspection bungalow in Yellapur town, and a tourist bungalow in Mundgod taluk during a function held on the medical college campus.

“The people from this region have been asking for a superspecialty hospital. We will definitely sanction it in the next budget,” Siddaramaiah said, adding with a smile, “And when it is ready, I will come and inaugurate it.”

He criticized the opposition, stating, “The BJP did not take up any development works here, but our government will fulfill every single demand of yours, step by step.”

Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar thanked the people for giving the Congress party a strong mandate and said the government was repaying that trust by launching these projects. He noted proudly, “Our doctors are among the brightest in the country, that is why you see them working not just across India but all over the world.”

Shivakumar also promised that the demands raised by local MLA Satish Sail would be met soon. He urged local industrialists to invest in the coastal belt to prevent young people from migrating for jobs.

Minister for medical education Sharanprakash R Patil said Rs 2 crore was already spent to equip the new multi-specialty hospital with all necessary facilities. “Our goal is to have a government medical college and a multi-specialty hospital in every district,” he said.

District minister Mankal S Vaidya reminded everyone that the Congress government was fulfilling its promises. He also appealed for more industries in the three coastal districts to provide better employment opportunities for local youth.

Karwar MLA Satish Sail recalled the long struggle to establish the medical college. “It was supposed to go to a private society, but because of our continuous fight, we got a government medical college eight years ago,” he said.

Former minister RV Deshpande said the new facilities would be a big relief for poor families. “North Kannada still needs a full superspecialty hospital. Please announce it in the next budget,” he urged the chief minister.