Karnataka Medical Education Minister pays surprise visit to children's hospitals

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Karnataka Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil on Wednesday paid a surprise visit to Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology and Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in the city and warned of action if patients are denied proper treatment.

The minister's surprise visit comes amid growing complaints against the hospitals over poor treatment to the patients.

Patil pulled up the doctors and staff over their alleged poor functioning. According to a statement from the minister's office, Patil started his surprise visit from Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology where he interacted with patients.

"He pulled up the officer in charge of the fast track scheme who fumbled while trying to answer questions. The minister angrily posed a volley of questions regarding diagnosis of cancer, early treatment, chemotherapy, treatment schedule, duration of treatment and the number of patients visiting the hospitals," the statement said.

Later, speaking to reporters, Patil said that patients from various parts of the state are facing difficulties visiting Bengaluru for treatment, and therefore the government is planning to open Kidwai-like hospitals here.