Bhatkal: Uttara Kannada District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr Ramesh Rao visited Bhatkal Taluk Government Hospital after an anonymous complaint against Medical Officer Dr Arun Kumar was sent to the state and district health authorities through WhatsApp.

 

During the visit, Rao sought information from hospital officials and staff regarding the allegations and reviewed the hospital's administration, medical services and related records. Officials said information was being collected to verify the allegations raised in the complaint.

 

News of the DMO's visit drew local residents and attendants of patients to the hospital premises, where several people voiced support for Dr Arun Kumar. They said the doctor had been responsive to patients and that services at the government hospital had benefited poor and middle-class families by reducing the need to seek treatment at private hospitals outside the taluk.

 

Members of the public urged the health department to conduct a fair and transparent inquiry based on records and facts rather than reaching conclusions solely on the basis of the anonymous complaint. They also stressed that the investigation should not disrupt medical services at the hospital.

 

Among those present were Auto Drivers and Owners Association president Venkatesh Naik, Narayan Kharvi, Parameshwar Naik, Babu Naik, Shankar Naik, Shridhar Naik, Appu Naik, and several local residents and attendants of patients.