Mangaluru: The newly built MPRL-ONGC anniversary wing of the Lady Goschen Hospital was inaugurated by the district in-charge minister U T Khader on Saturday March 2nd.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Khader said, “Lady Goschen Hospital has a vast history of 170 years. Former MLA Yogesh Bhat had a dream of renovating this hospital. He put his best effort to get funds and sponsors. But Veerappa Moily, who was a petroleum minister in the then union government, noticed it and thought of finding a solution. He shared his plan with the management of MRPL. He successfully convinced the MRPL management and the work began. The state government also decided to support the new building’s construction and sanctioned Rs 10 crore. Now the building is ready. I congratulate MRPL and all departments who worked for this project. I will assure that the state government will sanction more funds for its further development.”

Union minister Sadananda Gowda addressed the gathering and said, “The health sector is very important in both government and private administration. It is a prime sector which keeps the entire nation healthy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi having more concern over this sector has given special attention towards it. I thank the management of MRPL as they responded positively when the government asked for help. Dr Veerappa Moily is one of the pioneers of this new facility. He took the initial initiative for the new block over here. The then and current representatives also extended their support for this project.

“Today, the union government is implementing various programmes in the health sector. It has given importance for supply of quality medicine for people through generic shops. As many as 14 AIMS have been sanctioned in the last five years. The government has plans of sanctioning more AIMS for rural areas. Now it is the question of how people will use these facilities as many are not aware of the same. The health department and related offices have to make sure that the benefits of the government’s health policies reach general public.”

Veerappa Moily said, “It is the fact that I took the initiative for the new building of this hospital. But, I do not want to take credit all alone. The new block is the result of collective efforts of all representatives. The MPs and MLAs of this constituency lent enough support to complete this project. I feel, Lady Goschen Hospital should function as a special hospital under the leadership of MRPL. It is my request to the district administration that if MRPL is willing to take over this hospital, please make an agreement and handover them for its management.”

Mangaluru south MLA Vedavyas Kamath presided over the programme. MRPL group manager Prasad welcomed the dignitaries and gathering.

Lady Goshen hospital’s new five storeyed building has been constructed under the aegis of MRPL, which donated Rs 21.70 crore and Rs 10 crore was sanctioned from National Health Mission.