Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan will take stock of the progress of National Rural Health Mission in Karnataka and the upgradation of three medical colleges in the state.
"I will use this opportunity to take stock of progress of the National Rural Health Mission in Karnataka. I also look forward to meeting Health Minister U T Khader to discuss how the north-south disparity in health services in the state can be resolved," Vardhan, who started his two-day visit to the southern state, said in a statement here.
This is his first official visit to Karnataka since assuming office on May 27, it said.
The Minister will review the progress on three projects for upgradation of government medical colleges situated in Bangalore, Bellary and Hubli of Karnataka. The central and state governments are sharing costs on 80-20 basis, the release added.
Vardhan also noted that he has already written to the Chief Minister of Karnataka with a request for land allocation for a new All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in the State.
"Though Karnataka has above average health indicators, I think that an AIIMS is necessary because there is inadequate secondary and tertiary care infrastructure. So if the state government can provide about 200 acres of land I would be happy to send the Ministry's officials for making a project report as soon as possible," he added.
He will inaugurate the new ward at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) to treat and rehabilitate women who are addicted to alcohol and substances.
The Minister will also to visit the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA) Deemed University on Anekal Road which houses 'Anvesana', its research foundation, the statement added.
