The closure of all four healthcare centers established by the Maharashtra government in Belgaum city, aimed at providing health benefits to Marathi-speaking residents along the Karnataka border, was executed by the district administration. Notices were served to these centers on Friday, and the shutdown took place in the presence of Dr. Mahesh Kone, the district health officer, and Dr. Sanjay Dummagol, the taluk health officer, on Saturday.
In addition to the closure of these centers, notices were issued to KLE Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Arihant Hospital in Belgaum for their agreement to implement the health benefits scheme for Marathi speakers, as announced by the Maharashtra government. The scheme covered individuals residing in 865 villages along the Karnataka border, allowing them to access health benefits in private hospitals by identifying themselves as Marathi speakers and obtaining recommendation letters from the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) office bearers.
Originally, the Maharashtra government intended to extend health benefits through the Chief Minister’s fund, initiating the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojna along the Karnataka border. However, due to strong opposition from the Karnataka government, labeling it a threat to India’s federal system, the Shinde government opted to provide health benefits directly through the CM’s fund, leading to the establishment of these now-closed centers.
The move faced resistance from pro-Kannada outfits, spearheaded by Ashok Chandarag, who argued that the Maharashtra government harbored malicious intent. On January 11, these outfits submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner, expressing their concerns. The recent action taken by the district administration to shut down the centers has been welcomed by pro-Kannada outfits.
