Conversion of GHs into autonomous hospitals challenged

Bangalore, Feb 27 (UNI) The Karnataka Government's move to convert Government Hospitals into autonomous ones has been challenged in the Karnataka High Court, today.

In a public interest litigation, one Mr B Krishna Bhat of Bangalore challenged the Government Order dated April 16, 2006, in this regard. He also challenged the notification issued on January 24, 2007, appointing the Principals of Bangalore Medical College, Mysore Medical College and the Government Dental College as Director and Dean of the respective autonomous bodies.

The petitioner contended that by this action, the Government would lose absolute control over the GHs and the constitutional mandate gets frustrated in as much as instead of providing more and more facilities to the general public, the State was transferring its responsibility to others.

Chief Justice Cyriac Joseph and Mr Justice B S Patil asked the Government advocate to seek instructions from the authorities concerned about the PIL. The petition was yet to be admitted.

UNI