Udupi : Health minister of Karnataka Sriramulu who stayed on Friday night stayed at government hospital, Ajjarkad, offered special prayers at Sri Krishna Math on the occasion of Mahalaya Amavase on Saturday, September 28.

Speaking to media about his new role in the cabinet as Social Welfare minister Sriramulu said, “I have received an opportunity to serve backward community. Chief minister B S Yediyurappa has given me a great opportunity. I will ensure justice is done to the community and their needs.”

Speaking about the upgradation of the government hospital in Udupi, he said, “To create a hope in poor people that our state health minister also stays in the same hospital where we avail treatment, I stayed in the district government hospital. This is a sincere effort from my side. There are many good doctors, surgeons and nurses in the department. But due to bad practice of some persons, hospitals are getting bad names. I have come here to find out those persons who are involved in bad practices.

“We consider that government job is God’s work. I have visited Sri Krishna Temple and taken blessings from Lord Krishna. In the coming days, there will be major changes in the administration of government hospitals. I will look into the issue,” he said.

On bypolls to be held in the state, he said, “BJP will prepare itself for elections when the court decides to hold elections.”

Sriramulu also conducted a review meeting at district Hospital in Ajjarakadu here on Saturday.

MLA Raghupati Bhat described the pathetic condition of hospital. He discussed the issue of shortage of staff and appealed to upgrade the district hospital to 250 beds and install additional dialysis machines.

Bhat handed a memorandum copy to requesting health minister for some amendments to the public under Ayushman Bharat and he responded positively.

Kaup MLA Lalaji R Mendon, BJP district president Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, district surgeon Madhusudhan Nayak and other Health department officials were present.