The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will hold a mega protest march in Mangaluru on May 14 against the government signing three MoUs with private medical colleges to allow colleges to offer health services at government health centres in Dakshina Kannada and other parts of the State.

Talking to reporters on Friday, CPI(M) district secretary Muneer Katipalla said allowing private medical colleges to offer services at government healthcare centres amounted to the State abdicating its duty to provide affordable, quality healthcare.

The CPI(M) will oppose the signing of MoUs with private medical colleges and hold a protest march in Mangaluru, followed by protests across the district, Mr. Katipalla said.

The party is opposing the government signing MoUs with Yenepoya Medical College, A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences and Alva’s Health Centre to offer services at Vitla CHC, Bantwal Taluk Hospital and Moodbidri CHC, respectively. An MoU will also be signed shortly with Alva’s Health Centre for services at Belthangady Taluk Hospital.

CPI(M) district unit member Yadav Shetty told reporters that a significant number of patients visited Moodbidri CHC when one Shashikala was the health officer. After she left the CHC, a dentist was made the health officer. “For the last two months, none have visited the CHC,” he said.

Mr. Katipalla expressed concern over the absence of full-time health officers at the primary health centres. “It’s sad to see the government struggling to recruit medical officers for these centres while private medical colleges are able to attract doctors,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, District Health and Family Welfare Officer H. Thimmaiah told The Hindu that government healthcare centres will remain under government control. Under the MoU, private medical colleges will work alongside government healthcare personnel in providing services and help improve infrastructure at the centres.

The healthcare and super speciality services at the government healthcare centres will continue to be available to patients, free of cost, Dr. Thimmaiah said.