Residents of Surathkal in Mangaluru staged a powerful 12-hour mass protest on Monday, voicing a critical demand: the immediate upgrade of the local Primary Health Centre (PHC) to a fully functional community hospital. The demonstration, organized by the Save Govt Hospital Action Committee, Surathkal, saw widespread participation from various public organizations and local associations, highlighting deep-seated frustrations with the deteriorating state of public healthcare in the area.
A Legacy of Service Reduced to Neglect
In his inaugural address at the protest, committee coordinator Muneer Katipalla painted a stark picture of decline. He recalled that three decades ago, the Surathkal PHC was a beacon of hope, providing essential maternity services and operating round-the-clock. Today, its role has been drastically diminished. The centre is now limited to children's vaccinations and serves as a training ground for students from private medical colleges, he lamented.
Katipalla pointed out the daily struggles faced by the community. "The PHC lacks even full-time doctors, and by 4pm, the health centre is closed", he stated. He accused the government of systematically undermining public health institutions under pressure from private hospital and medical college interests. "The political scene in Dakshina Kannada district is heavily influenced by the private medical lobby. Without a united public struggle, strengthening the public health sector is impossible", Katipalla asserted, vowing to continue the fight until a community hospital is established.
A Cry for Equity and Accessible Healthcare
The protest resonated with voices emphasizing the right to health for all, especially marginalized communities. Theatre artiste Geetha Surathkal, a participant, stressed that quality healthcare is a fundamental right for every citizen.
Sadashiva Padubidri, district coordinator of the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti, highlighted the economic dimension of the crisis. He pointed out that Dalits and the poor are completely priced out of expensive private hospitals, while existing government facilities lack adequate services and beds. "Without a strong fight for govt hospitals, the lower classes have no future", Padubidri warned, framing the issue as one of social justice and survival.
Political Apathy Fuels Public Anger
A common thread among the speakers was the perceived apathy of elected representatives. Social activist Y Raghavendra Rao expressed disappointment that no political leaders were responding to the people's cries. This vacuum of political will, he argued, made the massive public protest an absolute necessity to force action on the Surathkal community hospital demand.
During the protest, officials led by taluk health officer Dr Sujay Bhandari visited the site and accepted a memorandum from the organizers, formally acknowledging their grievances. The demonstration also saw participation from leaders of various organizations, including DYFI district president BK Imthiyaz and secretary Santhosh Bajal, showcasing a broad-based coalition.
The 12-hour agitation in Surathkal stands as a clear signal to the authorities. It underscores a growing public resolve to reclaim and revitalize the public healthcare system, which many believe has been sacrificed at the altar of private commercial interests. The community's message is unequivocal: their fight will persist until the Surathkal PHC is transformed into a community hospital capable of serving everyone, regardless of their economic status.
