Hubballi, DailyMail24Online: The Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI), often projected as the “lifeline of North Karnataka,” is increasingly functioning like just another poorly managed government hospital. Far from the vision of becoming a centre of excellence, KMCRI appears caught in systemic inefficiencies, staff negligence, and administrative apathy — leaving patients helpless and frustrated.
Several departments reportedly suffer from irregular doctor attendance, forcing patients to wait for hours or leave without receiving treatment. Patients and their families allege that the hospital’s functioning directly fuels the growth of nearby private hospitals, as many doctors are said to be unavailable during working hours but accessible in private clinics and these allegation were raised in the past, and then doctors fought against these allegation tooth and nail.
Expectations Raised — And Crushed
When Dr. Ishwar Hosamani assumed charge as Director, there was considerable hope for administrative reform. However, ground realities suggest otherwise. If corrective actions are not taken immediately, his tenure risks being remembered for ineffective leadership and deteriorating patient trust.
November 1 Incident: No Doctors at OPD, Patients Left Unattended
Despite November 1 (Rajyotsava Day) being a working Saturday for the hospital, doctors failed to report to their OPDs. The Dentistry Department was a glaring example.
A patient with severe tooth pain — accompanied by this reporter — waited at OPD Room No. 70 for one hour and forty minutes, only to find the room deserted. The RMO, Dr. Rajashekhar Dyaberi, was informed. He attempted to contact the concerned doctor, and eventually, only an office staff member arrived, stating that “Dr. Salma will come.”
Meanwhile a trauma patient came to the OPD with severe pain and he also left for a private clinic after waiting for the arrival doctor and this reporter is the witness for this incident.
She never did.
Later, the issue was escalated to Medical Superintendent Dr. Ishwar Hasabi, who assured that the doctor would be directed to attend immediately. But by then, the patient, exhausted and in pain, left the hospital without treatment.
Does a Tertiary-Care Hospital Need an Idle Dentistry Department?
Patients and insiders claim that the dentistry unit at KMCRI receives very few cases. Despite this, the hospital maintains a full-fledged department with a Head of Department and multiple doctors — who, according to patient accounts, are rarely present.
OPD Timings Exist Only on Paper
OPD hours officially begin at 9:00 AM, but on November 1:
PG doctors reported 30 minutes late
Patients claim that senior doctors often arrive one to two hours late
Many reportedly leave before 1:00 PM, contrary to mandatory 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM duty hours
When questioned about delays, patients are routinely told that the doctor is “in a meeting” or “in OT,” but there is no system to verify this. Patients allege that doctors are sometimes seen casually chatting in the canteen while patients wait endlessly.
Even Getting an OPD Slip Is a Struggle
The ordeal begins right at the registration counter. Although management claims to have increased the number of counters, patients report:
Of 15–17 counters, multiple remain closed
Staff frequently arrive late
Long queues and poor crowd management are common
“One needs a lunch box and enormous patience to visit KMCRI,” said a frustrated patient attendant. “You never know when your turn will come.”
In-Patient Department — Another Story Altogether
This report only covers the OPD experience. Conditions in the inpatient wards, according to multiple patients, are even more distressing. A detailed report will follow.
Dailymail/Hubliexpress contacted Director Dr. Ishwar Hosamani regarding these concerns, he said he would look into the matter and will resolve the issues at the earliest.
