Mysuru has all ingredients to emerge major healthcare hub: Gundu Rao

Mysuru: Emphasising the immense potential of Mysuru in the healthcare and medical tourism sector, Dinesh Gundu Rao, minister for health and family welfare, Friday said the city possesses all the necessary ingredients to evolve into a major healthcare hub in the country.Speaking after inaugurating a conference on ‘Mysuru Hospital Operations and Patient Experience’, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, he said Mysuru possesses all the ingredients required to emerge a major healthcare and medical tourism hub.He pointed out that the city’s strong infrastructure, academic ecosystem, industrial growth, connectivity and quality of life make it an ideal destination for healthcare investment and expansion.“Mysuru is well-connected by road, rail and air. Though the airport requires expansion and better flight connectivity, efforts are already under way and improvements are expected soon,” he said.He stressed the state govt is working towards simplifying healthcare regulations, licensing procedures and legal protections for doctors and hospital staff. He also acknowledged the concerns of hospitals regarding outdated reimbursement rates under govt health schemes and said the govt is taking steps to revise package rates in line with 2022-23 levels to support institutions serving economically weaker sections.Highlighting Mysuru’s growing appeal, he said: “People from cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad are increasingly choosing Mysuru because of its peaceful environment, greenery and ease of living,” he observed.The conference focused on Karnataka’s healthcare vision, medical access, affordability, quality and patient-centric care and deliberated on areas such as hospital operations and service excellence, AI and emerging medical technologies in healthcare, including robotic surgery.