The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has given approval for upgrading the 32-bed hospital of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) to a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital on a public-private-partnership (PPP) basis. The estimated cost of the project is ₹107 crores. The upgraded hospital will provide quality healthcare services to port employees, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, retired personnel, and their dependents, as well as non-NMPA patients residing in the surrounding region of the port.
The vision behind establishing the upgraded hospital is to ensure assured access to quality healthcare to all individuals, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of healthcare reaching the last person at the last mile. Currently, the 32-bed hospital of the NMPA offers outpatient department (OPD) services and diagnostic services to its patients who are NMPA beneficiaries. However, the new multi-speciality hospital will have the capability to treat various types of illnesses and conditions, providing a wide range of medical services. It will have IPD facilities, ICU, advanced diagnostic facilities such as CT scans and MRI, and multi-speciality services including oncology, cardiology, neurology, and nephrology.
The project will make available all the necessary amenities and services under one roof, which are not currently available in the existing port hospital. Three acres of land identified by the port authority will be handed over to the concessionaire for the development of the new multi-speciality hospital. The existing hospital will also be handed over to the concessionaire for operations, which will later be returned to the Port Authority once the new hospital is operational.
This project not only aims to upgrade the hospital facilities but also to rationalize the annual medical expenses incurred on the treatment of port employees. Additionally, it will provide quality healthcare to the nearby population residing within a 5 km radius of Panambur, Baikampdy, Kulai, Surathkal, etc. Moreover, it is expected to generate employment opportunities for specialists, doctors, pharmacists, nursing staff, and other para-medical staff.
In conclusion, the upgrading of the NMPA Hospital in Mangaluru to a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital on a PPP basis is a significant step towards improving healthcare facilities and accessibility. The project aims to provide comprehensive medical services, optimize annual medical expenses, and create employment opportunities in the healthcare sector.
