Thu Apr 24 14:45:16 UTC 2025: **Karnataka Minister Promises Funding Boost for Medical College Amidst Healthcare Concerns**

HUBBALLI, Karnataka – Karnataka’s Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Sharanprakash Patil, has pledged to address funding shortfalls at the Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI) in Kittur Karnataka. Addressing a press conference on April 24, 2025, Patil acknowledged the strain on KMCRI, the region’s sole tertiary care facility serving multiple districts. While confirming regular release of entitled grants, he promised to advocate for increased recurring expenses after reviewing the past three years’ expenditures.

The Minister also touched upon several key issues:

* **Private Practice:** He reiterated the government’s existing regulations limiting private practice by doctors to after 4 p.m., mandating four daily attendance registrations, and implementing CCTV surveillance to ensure compliance. Absenteeism will result in salary deductions.
* **AIIMS in Raichur:** Patil expressed disappointment over the central government’s lack of positive response to establishing an AIIMS in Raichur, highlighting that Karnataka and Kerala remain the only states without one.
* **KMCRI Directorship:** The appointment of a full-time director for KMCRI will be addressed shortly, though the acting director currently possesses full authority.
* **Prescription Practices:** The Minister vowed to address the issue of doctors prescribing medicines from specific pharmacies during an upcoming review meeting, emphasizing that outside prescriptions are strictly prohibited.
* **Increased Medical Seats:** The government has proposed a significant increase of 800 undergraduate and 750 postgraduate clinical seats in state medical colleges, pending National Medical Commission (NMC) approval.

Following the press conference, Patil inaugurated new facilities at KMCRI, including a computerized laboratory, a brachytherapy unit, two modular operation theaters, and a renovated stadium, representing a combined investment of ₹3.7 crore. He also conducted a review meeting and visited the construction site of a Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology branch, slated for completion within a year.

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