“The focus should be on the health of the poor”: Former CM Basvaraj Bommai

Hubballi (Karnataka) [India], August 23 (ANI): Former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai on Friday emphasised that a healthy society could only be established if special courses and cadres were introduced in medical education for public health, and if a system were put in place to ensure the poor receive treatment without any financial burden.

Speaking at a health festival organised by the ‘Samyukta Karnataka’ newspaper in Hubballi, he stated that poverty exists at various levels in India–extreme poverty, poverty, lower-middle class, and middle class.

He further elaborated on the link between poverty and health, urging lawmakers to recognise this connection.

“Where there is poverty, issues of cleanliness and access to nutritional food arise. The prevalence of various diseases, especially among children, hinders them from growing up to be healthy citizens,” he noted.

Bommai stressed that the focus should be more on the health of the poor and that the medical education system needs to be reformed.

He remarked, “We have adopted a Western medical education system where only the wealthy and the middle class exist. In a country where extreme poverty is prevalent, it takes five years to earn an MBBS degree, followed by two years for a postgraduate qualification–a total of eight years–and the expenses can run up to four to five crore rupees. Even for a government seat, it costs two to three crore rupees. These doctors often end up working in private hospitals, serving the rich, while the health problems of the poor remain unaddressed.”

He also mentioned that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government became aware of the state of hospital infrastructure. The crisis was turned into an opportunity, equipping all district and major taluk hospitals with ventilators, oxygen facilities, and ICUs.

“This work needs to continue. In some areas, poor maintenance has led people to turn to private services. This needs to be addressed,” he said.

During the previous BJP tenure, Bommai mentioned, dialysis cycles were increased, and clinics were established. They also introduced cochlear implant systems for those with hearing impairments. However, many more reforms are needed.

He added that more attention must be given to the health of North Karnataka, where the patient-to-bed and doctor ratios are significantly imbalanced. “This is a major necessity,” he stated.

Bommai highlighted the difficulties faced by the poor, stating, “They need to think about this and be concerned. Often, treatment is only provided if they can pay one lakh rupees or if they have insurance. Sometimes emergencies are claimed when there is no real emergency–it’s all corruption, and this must change fundamentally. When society stands with the poor, only then can change occur; a revolution is needed. The central and state governments must work together on this.”

The MP noted that Mahatma Gandhi understood the importance of newspapers in India’s freedom struggle, which is why he started his own. The journalistic strength of ‘Samyukta Karnataka’ has been unique in Karnataka, growing while facing numerous challenges. Their magazines ‘Karma Veera’ and ‘Kasturi’ have become household names.

He emphasised that the role of ‘Samyukta Karnataka’ in the unification of Karnataka was so significant that, without its advocacy, unification might not have happened. This newspaper, which has played such a crucial role, has now witnessed the ups and downs of globalisation and liberalisation and is celebrating its centenary as a golden era. Y.B. Venkatesh is, in fact, steering the sinking ship back to shore.

Bommai added that, initially, it was believed that newspapers should be run by writers, but in today’s times, administration is necessary in every aspect, as shown by Y.B. Venkatesh. Despite facing a very difficult situation, he has uplifted the newspaper and has ambitions for large-scale expansion.

During the BJP tenure, they provided the newspaper with 5 acres of land, securing a bright future. They have also been managing their social responsibilities well. M.M. Joshi has dedicated his entire life to serving the poor, with many viewing him as a god. He is a very simple doctor.

“Let us all work together to improve our health and the health of those around us. The health app should be successful; it raises awareness and allows experts to express their opinions. ‘Samyukta Karnataka’ has done a great job in this regard, bringing great happiness,” he said.

The event was attended by Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, MP Jagadish Shettar, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Aravind Bellad, Legislative Council Member Y.B. Venkatesh, and others.