Concerns were voiced in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly about the absence of emergency medical services for workers at the Hatti Gold Mines in Raichur district. BJP MLA Manappa D. Vajjal urged the government to establish a hospital in the area, highlighting that around 6,000 workers at the mines lack nearby medical care during emergencies like heart attacks. The MLA emphasized that the workers have to travel long distances to access hospital facilities in Belagavi and Bengaluru, leading to delays in treatment and unfortunate fatalities.
The lack of medical infrastructure not only impacts the mine workers but also affects residents in the vicinity, according to Vajjal. He recounted an incident involving a Valmiki seer who suffered a heart attack at the mines’ convention center, where no medical assistance was available. The MLA stressed the urgency of the situation, pointing out that even basic medical amenities are scarce. He suggested that the Hatti Gold Mines company, which annually generates significant revenue, should allocate resources to establish a hospital on-site to address the critical healthcare needs of its workers.
In response to the issue, Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, and Livelihood Sharan Prakash Patil acknowledged the need for improved medical facilities in the area. He mentioned the government’s efforts to set up specialized hospitals in every district but raised concerns about the sustainability of establishing a full-fledged cardiac center at the taluk level due to challenges in attracting specialized medical professionals. Patil assured that he would engage with the Hatti Gold Mines Company’s President to explore the possibility of enhancing medical services in the region.
The discussion also saw Speaker U.T. Khader stepping in to direct the immediate arrangement of high-end ambulance services equipped with emergency medical facilities for workers at the mining site, emphasizing the critical nature of the issue and the necessity for prompt action.
