Bhatkal: A 10-bed Emergency and Trauma Ward will soon be constructed at the Bhatkal Taluk Government Hospital, thanks to a generous donation of ₹50 lakh from renowned NRI and US-based businessman Vaman Ramnath Shanbhag. The foundation stone for the new facility was laid during a ceremony held on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Shanbhag shared that the donation was made in memory of his late wife, Geeta Shanbhag, with the aim of improving healthcare services for the local population. “This initiative is not restricted to any particular community. My goal is to support and serve all sections of society,” he said.
He explained that, after assessing the hospital’s requirements in consultation with Administrative Medical Officer Dr. Savita Kamath, he decided to fund the construction of a fully equipped Emergency and Trauma Ward to treat critically ill patients.
President of the Nagayakshi Dharma Devi Sansthan, Ramdas Prabhu, commended Mr. Shanbhag for dedicating his hard-earned wealth from abroad toward the betterment of society.
Bhatkal Merchants’ Association President Shridhar Shanbhag recalled that Mr. Vaman Shanbhag initially managed his father’s business in Bhatkal before relocating to the United States to pursue his aspirations. “Through perseverance and hard work, he has achieved great success abroad. He is also an alumnus of New English School and has made significant contributions to his alma mater,” he added.
President of the Bhatkal Citizens’ Forum, Satish Kumar, expressed his appreciation, stating, “It is a matter of pride for us Bhatkalis that one of our own, after achieving success overseas, is giving back to his community in such a meaningful way.”
Other dignitaries, including honorary president of the Namadhari community Krishna Naik, Block Congress President Venkatesh Naik, and former Namadhari community president M.R. Naik, also lauded Mr. Shanbhag’s philanthropic gesture.
Presiding over the function, Dr. Savita Kamath expressed her gratitude and highlighted the urgent need for such infrastructure to strengthen emergency healthcare services in the region.
Several community leaders and medical professionals were present at the event, including Dr. Lakshmesh, Dr. Satish B, Dr. Surkshit Shetty, Dr. Suresh Naik, Vasant Shanbhag, Rajesh Naik, Ramesh Kharvi, Abdul Sami Kola, Nazir Qasimji, Salman Shaikh, Nisar Ahmed, and Venkatesh Naik Asarkeri.
Speaking to the media, Nazir Qasimji provided further insight, stating that although the hospital already houses a fully functional ICU, HDU, and NICU, there was a significant gap in facilities for initial assessment and care of emergency patients. “There was no dedicated space to accommodate and evaluate emergency cases. Mr. Shanbhag’s generous contribution to construct a new emergency ward is a timely and much-needed intervention, and the people of Bhatkal are deeply grateful,” he said.