Bengaluru: The Legislative Committee on Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare has expressed serious concern over the underutilization of costly diagnostic equipment in government hospitals and the continued referral of patients to private laboratories.

Presenting a critical report in the Legislative Assembly on Friday, committee chairman and MLA A.R. Krishnamurthy said, “Government hospitals across the state are equipped with crores worth of CT scan, ultrasound, and MRI machines. Yet, instead of using these facilities, patients are being directed to private labs, causing unnecessary hardship to poor families.”

The report also took strong exception to the delay in action against drug suppliers held responsible for the death of women at a maternity hospital in Ballari. “Even after such a tragic incident, there has been no decisive action. Officials are waiting for the test reports of 13 drug samples before taking steps. This delay is unacceptable,” the committee noted.

The panel further criticized the government for re-awarding tenders to suppliers who had already been blacklisted. “Once a supplier is in the blacklist, they should never be given a tender again. This lapse has compromised patient safety,” the report stated.

The committee also directed the government to prioritize the health of children studying in hostels and residential schools for backward classes and minorities. It recommended compulsory medical check-ups every 15 days, and specific interventions for eye health. “Children are increasingly developing vision problems due to excessive mobile usage. The government should arrange regular eye treatment camps,” the panel advised.