Mysore : B R Shetty, managing director of New Medical Centre (NMC) in Abu Dhabi, said, in view of providing better health facilities to poor people in Udupi district, the NMC would start a charity hospital.

He was addressing a gathering during the valedictory of the three-day 67th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress at JSS University, here, on Monday.

Shetty, who is from Udupi district, said, “During my recent visit to my native place, I was surprised to see poor people striving hard to get medical facilities. Even though there are several government-run medical centres, they lack basic facilities and hence the people are struggling hard to get basic medical facilities. The charity hospital will offer free medicines and treatment to the needy people.”

Shetty said, he will also start a multi-speciality hospital and a Centre for Excellence in Udupi town. The funds generated from the multi-speciality hospital will be diverted to run the charity hospital, he said. Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader was present on the occasion.