Health and Family Welfare Minister U. T. Khader visited Sri Panchalingeshwara temple at Barkur in Udupi district on July 21, 2026.
\| Photo Credit: UMESH S SHETTIGAR

Health and Family Welfare Minister U. T. Khader said the government of Karnataka will soon release necessary grants to Udupi District Hospital to procure equipment and furniture.

Speaking to reporters at Barkur on July 21 during a visit to various religious centres in the historic town, Mr. Khader said, "Whatever is needed for the new hospital would be provided. Discussions on improving the Mother and Child Hospital in Udupi are yet to conclude.”

Health and Family Welfare Minister U. T. Khader addresses the gathering during a visit to Malik Dinar Masjid at Barkur in Udupi district on July 21, 2026.
\| Photo Credit:
UMESH S SHETTIGAR

Regarding the demand for a taluk hospital for Udupi taluk, Mr. Khader admitted such a facility is needed to render secondary level treatment. The existing taluk hospital was upgraded to a district hospital. The department is scouting for a suitable place to open a new taluk hospital, Mr. Khader said.

Health and Family Welfare Minister U. T. Khader visited St. Peter’s church at Barkur in Udupi district on July 21, 2026.
\| Photo Credit:
UMESH S SHETTIGAR

Asked about the slow progress of the Centrally-sponsored Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme for girls aged 14 to prevent cervical cancer in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, Mr. Khader said the government cannot make it mandatory. “The department is creating sufficient awareness about the benefits of the vaccination. Ultimately, it depends on parents to get it administered for their children,” the Minister said.

The Health Minister urged people to be cautious during the rainy season, as it was the time for the spread of many infectious diseases. They should prevent breeding of mosquitoes, he said adding the department was conducting regular screening at airports to monitor the spread of diseases, including COVID-19. He stressed the need to develop immunity by having healthy food and lifestyle.

Health and Family Welfare Minister visited Katthale Basadi at Barkur in Udupi district on July 21, 2026.
\| Photo Credit:
UMESH S SHETTIGAR

To a question on the tardy progress of road widening work within Barkur town and delay in paying compensation, Mr. Khader said a town develops when religious centres develop. “Right now, the renovation of Panchalingeshwara temple was going on. It should be followed by development of the town,” he said.

Mr. Khader visited Malik Dinar Masjid, St. Peter’s Church, Katthale Basadi, and Kallchapra in the town. He described Barkur as the cradle of harmony and culture, and wished the same spirit would spread across the country.

Published - July 21, 2026 02:53 pm IST