Virajpet Hospital in Kodagu to be Upgraded into District Hospital, Says Karnataka Health Minister

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna inspecting Virajpet Government Hospital on September 23. | Photo: The Kodagu Express

Virajpet: Virajpet Government Hospital in Kodagu district is set for a major transformation, with the state government announcing its upgradation into a District Hospital. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed the development during his visit to the hospital on Tuesday. Alongside this, Hudikeri Primary Health Centre (PHC) will be elevated to a Community Health Centre (CHC), while Kushalnagar’s CHC will be developed into a Taluk Hospital.

The minister, who inspected Virajpet Hospital and Hudikeri PHC, reminded reporters that this year’s state budget had already earmarked funds for these projects. He said that the government had earlier planned to upgrade Ponnampet and Kushalnagar CHCs into Taluk-level hospitals, and that work at Kushalnagar would begin soon.

Virajpet Hospital, originally proposed as a 400-bed facility, is currently witnessing the construction of a 250-bed unit, complete with staff quarters for medical officers and nurses. According to the minister, the overall investment for turning Virajpet Hospital into a District Hospital is estimated at ₹105 crore.

Similarly, Hudikeri PHC will become a 30-bed CHC at an approximate cost of ₹6 crore, while the upgradation of Kushalnagar into a Taluk Hospital will require around ₹40 crore. Rao added that the construction of staff housing and other infrastructure will be taken up after cabinet approval, with tenders likely to be issued as early as next week. The foundation-laying ceremonies for the three projects are expected to be held by November or December.

Acknowledging the contribution of Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, Rao said that the government was committed to improving healthcare in Kodagu. “I represent this district as well, and I assure complete support to strengthen Kodagu’s medical facilities,” he remarked.

Ponnanna, in his address, noted that the promise to upgrade Virajpet Hospital into a District Hospital was an election commitment. “The government has honoured that assurance. I am grateful for the approval of these long-pending demands,” he said.

Later, Rao toured the hospital, met patients, reviewed the ICU and other wings, and urged doctors to prioritise service to the poor. He also inspected healthcare sites in Hudikeri, Kushalnagar, and Alur-Siddapur.

To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly call us at 9108795369 or mail us at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com 

Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE 

Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter)