Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai asked the medical fraternity to formulate schemes to offer treatment at an affordable cost. Speaking after inaugurating Narayana Devalaya-free eye clinic at Shettyhalli in Tumkur district here on Wednesday, he said Narayana Netralaya has gone one step ahead to offer free treatment and there is no better example than this. Dr Bhujanga Shetty has been successful in his medical profession. All those who have excelled in their respective fields must return to the society and this small gesture will make the world better. Everyone is not rich and ultimately their earning and wealth belongs to creation. They are just a part of creation. Dr Shetty did not have ego and he and his family are showing their large heart in their act. Dr Shetty has announced the opening of free clinics in all districts and this shows his noble gesture of helping others. He had been creating awareness on the eye donation from Dr Raj Kumar till Dr Puneet Raj Kumar. Dr Shetty is serving poor people in the last 25 years without any expectation.

The CM said the government has formulated a scheme for the eye treatment and will distribute the eye glasses free after testing and treatment. This scheme will be launched in January, next year. For this program, Dr Shetty must become a mentor. Karnataka will be the first state in the entire country to offer free treatment for the poor. A Rs 500 crore scheme has been chalked out for implants for hearing problems. The incumbent government has given special attention to the sensitive issues. The dialysis circle has been increased from 30,000 to 60,000; and the chemotherapy cycle has been doubled by opening 12 new centers for the cancer treatment. Directions are issued to hold the general medical checkup camp in every taluk and district. As many as 100 PHCs have been upgraded as CHCs at a cost of Rs 10 crore each. Several schemes are chalked out to improve the healthcare facility and to help poor patients.

Bommai said the children across the world develop eye problems and go blind due to malnutrition. The present government has chalked out a special plan to provide a special food and medicine to banish malnutrition. Besides, a special program has been launched to prevent eye problems owing to malnutrition especially for six districts where the rate of malnutrition is high.

The CM said the free eye clinic that was opened today did not have a cash counter. This facility is offered by Dr Shetty out of his earnings. This kind of hospital exists nowhere in the state. Doctors not only do free eye check-ups but will not also perform the surgery at this center which has all the latest gadgets. This shows his urge to serve the poor with the best healthcare facility. All successful doctors must do this. Presently, the cost of treatment is very exorbitant and beyond the reach of common people. This requires serious thinking. “We cannot see people dying due to lack of treatment just because they are not financially sound enough to afford treatment”.