Mysore/Mysuru: Doctors must be socially oriented in their work and always conscientious of their professional duties, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Speaking at the recent inauguration of ‘Robotic Knee and Hip Joint Replacement Centre’ by GC’s Sports Medicine Centre and Multispeciality Hospital at Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza, he emphasised the importance of humane treatment for all patients.

Siddaramaiah noted that while the wealthy can afford private hospitals, the poor often rely on government facilities. If a poor person visits a private hospital, doctors should treat them with compassion. “Providing affordable treatment to the poor in private hospitals would not only attract more people but also directly serve humanity,” he said.

He stressed that if all hospitals cater exclusively to the wealthy, the common man would lose faith in the healthcare system and struggle with daily life. “Doctors enter the profession to serve people. When they help save lives, they are remembered and appreciated. Therefore, it is crucial to have concern for the poor and society,” the CM added.

Recalling his aspiration to become a doctor during his student days, he  said “I also wanted to become a doctor, but I did not get an MBBS seat” and added that he subsequently studied law and entered politics.

He also mentioned his acquaintance with hospital owner Dr. Girish Chandra’s father, Dr. Kullaiah, who hailed from Kuppegala, a village near Siddaramanahundi, the CM’s native place in Varuna.

Fear of knees, hip surgeries

“Orthopaedician Dr. Chandra, who served at Mysore Medical College, made efforts to use advanced technology in knee and hip joint replacement. Today, many people undergo these procedures, whereas earlier, there was a fear that such surgeries would leave them bedridden. Now, even those in their 70s and 80s are undergoing these operations,” he said.

“In fact, knee pain or related issues typically start developing after the age of 60. Even though I experience occasional pain, I have not consulted a doctor yet. In Bengaluru, there are hospitals exclusively treating knees and hips. Dr. Girish Chandra’s hospital is the first-of-its-kind in Mysuru. I will come to you for treatment,” Siddaramaiah said.

He urged Dr. Chandra to be lenient with charges for poor patients. “Even though poor people go to government hospitals for medical treatment, please be considerate if they come to your hospital,” he advised.

Mysuru District in-charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa remarked that technological advancements have revolutionised the medical field, enabling precision surgeries with robotics and patients experience no pain.

Former MLA M.K. Somashekar, MUDA Chairman K. Marigowda, Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) Chairman Ayub Khan, leader Mariswamy, GC’s Sports Medicine Centre and Multispeciality Hospital Chief Dr. Girish Chandra, Dr. Nikhita and hospital staff were present.