Bangalore: Members of the Bangalore Urban Zilla Panchayat have appealed to the Government not to hand over government hospitals and public health centres (PHCs), which are being efficiently managed and have facilities, to private organisations.

At the zilla panchayat meeting on Monday, they passed a resolution against privatisation of government hospitals and PHCs.

They said if privatised, hospitals and health centres will collect high fees for services.

Explaining the Government's stand on privatisation of PHCs, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) D. Mallu said it has taken up a project on an experimental basis. Management of PHCs which did not have essential facilities is offered to non-governmental organisations.

Funds for medicines and equipment are provided by the Government and patients treated free. It is a non-profit venture for NGOs, he added. President of the zilla panchayat Renuka Gopalakrishna indefinitely postponed the election of the Chairman and members of five Standing Committees. Opposition members in the zilla panchayat raised objections.

Janata Dal (Secular) leader Seenappa asked Ms. Golapakrishna to give a valid reason.

Giving details of funds allocated, Mr. Mallu said Rs. 224.89 crore has been released by the Government for 2005-2006 for the zilla panchayat (Rs. 71.77 crore) and the taluk panchayats (Rs.153.12 crore).

Of this, a large sum was used for payment of wages and student allowances.

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