In a significant move to tackle the acute shortage of hospital beds and enhance patient care, the state-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO) is set to add 450 new beds with the construction of a new block on its existing campus, officials announced on Thursday.
During a review meeting held at Vikasa Soudha on October 8, Medical Education and Skill Development Minister Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil instructed KMIO officials to submit a detailed blueprint for the new block at the earliest, according to a statement from his office.
Currently, KMIO has 720 beds, but patient inflow continues to exceed its capacity. “Economically disadvantaged patients travel long distances to Kidwai and cannot afford treatment in private hospitals. Many end up selling their land or homes for care. To address this, we must expand facilities and provide more beds,” said Patil.
He further noted that the expansion would curb patient poaching by private cancer hospitals, ensuring that economically weaker sections continue to receive affordable treatment within the public healthcare system.
The minister also directed officials to admit OPD patients as inpatients until their final investigation reports are ready, introducing a policy change designed to ease the burden on patients awaiting diagnosis.
“While patients from Bengaluru may not face much difficulty, those from remote districts, especially northern Karnataka, need immediate admission and shelter until their reports are ready,” Patil added.
To reduce pressure on the Bengaluru facility, Peripheral Cancer Centres (PCCs) are expected to become operational soon in Tumakuru, Mysuru, Mandya, and Karwar.
Additional centres are also being planned in Ballari, Shivamogga, Raichur, Bidar, and Belagavi, further decentralising cancer care across the state. The PCC at Kalaburagi, which currently has 80 beds, will soon add 210 more beds with the construction of a new building, the statement said.
Dr. Patil also directed KMIO Director Dr. T. Naveen to release full salaries to nurses who had gone on maternity leave. “Due to administrative lapses, over 30 contract and outsourced nurses have been denied full pay since 2021 upon returning to duty,” the statement added.
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