Wenlock Hospital Set for ₹100 Cr Upgrade to Become Model Facility, Says Minister
Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader announced on Saturday that Wenlock District Hospital in Mangaluru will be developed into a model hospital over the next two years, offering more citizen-friendly services. Speaking at the district-level Independence Day programme held at Nehru Maidan, the minister said the government is committed to transforming the hospital into a model district tertiary care centre.
Minister Khader, who is also the in-charge of Dakshina Kannada, stated that development works worth over ₹100 crore have been planned for the hospital. This includes a new Outpatient Department (OPD) block estimated at ₹70 crore. “The government is committed to making this hospital a model district tertiary care hospital,” he said.
To expand access to specialised healthcare, the government is collaborating with private hospitals to offer services at public health centres. Three private hospitals have already begun providing specialised services at Bantwal Taluk Hospital, Moodbidri Community Health Centre (CHC), and Vitla CHC, the minister added.
Addressing the issue of substance abuse, Mr. Khader said the government has launched the RISE (Refuse, Inform, Support, and Empower) Karnataka campaign against drug abuse and drug peddling. The initiative aims to involve communities in prevention and awareness efforts.
For youth empowerment, the government plans to establish youth associations under the Karnataka Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas Scheme. Each association will receive ₹10 lakh per year and will focus on imparting employment skills and promoting brotherhood. A total of 6,000 associations will be set up in gram panchayats and 4,000 in urban areas, the minister said.
On infrastructure, Mr. Khader said the Karnataka Mobility Grid Mission will construct bypass roads, ring roads, and other facilities to ease traffic congestion in cities across the state.
In his address, the minister emphasised the importance of communal harmony and constitutional values. “While living peacefully and abiding by the law, people should strive to allow people from other communities to live in harmony with them. Thus, we can move in the direction of growth and pull along with us all those who are lagging behind in growth. In this way, we can put into practice the constitutional principles and build a strong Bharat as dreamt by B.R. Ambedkar,” he said.
Recalling his school days, Mr. Khader said he had participated in Independence Day activities at Nehru Maidan as a student. “I actively took part in activities then, and today I am on stage presiding over the programme. You have to strive to move up in your career,” he told students.
Earlier, the minister inspected a ceremonial parade involving police personnel, fire services, home guards, and students. He also felicitated the family of 63-year-old Irene D’Souza, whose eyes were donated after she was declared brain dead following an accident in February 2026.
