The Hindu : Karnataka News : Lokayukta free to inspect hospitals, says Minister

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Apr 16, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka

Lokayukta free to inspect hospitals, says Minister

Special Correspondent

DHARWAD: N. Cheluvarayaswamy, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, has said there is no difference of opinion on the style of functioning of the Lokayukta and the authority's surprise visits to hospitals.

Replying to questions from presspersons here on Friday, the Minister said it is open for the Lokayukta to take action in specific cases. The Government has no objection to the Lokayukta inspecting hospitals. Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy said it would not be proper for him as the Minister to say this is wrong.

He admitted that there was a discussion among Ministers about the style of functioning and powers of the Lokayukta. A committee under the chairmanship of the Deputy Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, was constituted to look into the matter, and the issue will be decided only after the report of the committee is received, he said.

Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy said wherever the Lokayukta sought permission for conducting an inquiry, it has been given.

He said that as Minister he has visited nearly 20 health facilities, including primary health centres. He has noted the apathy of doctors to whom the Government has given all facilities. However, their suspension is not a solution, he said.

He said the Government is thinking of posting junior Karnataka Administrative Service officers as administrators of hospitals since doctors are not able to do the job properly.

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