The central government has approved ₹24.7 crore for the establishment of 38 new Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, with each centre allocated ₹65 lakh to develop essential health infrastructure. This initiative aims to expand access to quality healthcare services in rural and underserved areas, particularly in villages that currently lack primary medical facilities.
These centres are designed to provide a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including preventive, promotive, and basic curative care. Maternal and child health support, immunization programs, and health awareness campaigns will be integral to their operations. By bringing healthcare closer to local communities, the initiative is expected to reduce travel time, lower costs, and improve overall health outcomes for residents.
The expansion aligns with the broader goals of Ayushman Bharat, which seeks to transform primary healthcare across India. Each HWC will feature functional buildings, medical equipment, and spaces for community health activities. Integration of digital health records and telemedicine services will ensure timely consultations, improved patient monitoring, and seamless referrals to higher-level medical facilities when necessary.
Beyond clinical services, the centres are envisioned as community health hubs. Local health workers will engage in preventive care initiatives, conduct vaccination drives, monitor maternal and child health, and guide communities on nutrition and hygiene. Public health interventions, including awareness programs on communicable diseases and lifestyle management, will also be part of the centres’ mandate.
Health experts emphasize that these HWCs will play a critical role in reducing the disparity between urban and rural healthcare access. By improving primary healthcare infrastructure, the initiative will decrease pressure on tertiary hospitals and enhance management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, which are increasingly prevalent in rural areas.
The development of HWCs represents a long-term commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem. Regular monitoring and evaluation will ensure that these centres deliver quality services and actively engage with communities. By prioritizing rural health, the government is working to create an inclusive and sustainable model that can be replicated across other districts and states.
The establishment of these 38 HWCs in Dakshina Kannada marks a significant step toward bridging the urban-rural healthcare gap. By combining infrastructure, skilled personnel, and preventive care initiatives, the centres are poised to become vital pillars of rural health in Karnataka. This initiative demonstrates the government’s dedication to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of location, have access to quality, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare.
