Dedicated wing for BPL families at Jayadeva?

BANGALORE: If everything goes well, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research (JICSR) will soon get a dedicated ward to treat patients belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families under Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) cover and also for BBMP staff. Thanks to BBMP’s initiative which is seeking the institute to provide a separate wing for their patients.According to Deputy Mayor S Harish,  the BBMP has asked JICSR to dedicate a separate wing consisting of 50 to 100 beds. Last year, the BBMP had given Rs 2 crore to the institute and this year another Rs 2 crore will be given. “Every year, under Mayor’s medical fund, there is a provision of giving Rs 4 to Rs 5 crore. We are asking them to either give space or construct a separate building, for which funds will be given by the BBMP,” he said.When contacted Dr C N Manjunath, Director to JICSR, said that there is an MoU between BBMP and JICSR, where JICSR will give free treatment to BBMP staff.“BBMP has so far not approached us for giving dedicated space for their staff as well as others. If they approach us, we will definitely consider and provide a special ward,” he said.BBMP is also giving Rs 4 crore to the Bangalore Kidney Foundation for a special 50-bed ward for their patients and Rs 1 crore to the State-run Karnataka Institute of Diabetology.The Deputy Mayor said that Pourakarmikas, drivers and other economically weaker sections can avail the service.