Karnataka Budget 2026 expands IVF facilities, boosts medical education

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has announced significant allocations in the 2026–27 Budget to strengthen medical education and tertiary healthcare across the state. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah outlined initiatives aimed at improving hospital infrastructure, expanding cancer and cardiovascular care, and enhancing medical training facilities.

IVF Facilities and Student Hostels

The government has earmarked Rs 1 crore each for the establishment of assisted reproductive technology (IVF) facilities in Bengaluru and Kalaburagi, aiming to expand access to infertility treatment in public hospitals. An additional Rs 10 crore has been allocated for the construction of a boys’ hostel for MBBS and BDS students at the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI).

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As part of cultural and historical recognition, 126-year-old Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru will be renamed after socialist leader Shantaveri Gopalagowda.

Born in Shivamogga district in 1923 into an agricultural family, Gopalagowda was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and actively participated in India’s freedom struggle. He later allied with socialist stalwarts such as Ram Manohar Lohia, carving a distinguished political career for himself. He was elected to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly three times — in 1952, 1962, and 1967 — representing constituencies in Shivamogga and leaving a lasting legacy in the state’s socialist movement.

Gopalagowda spent his last six months at Victoria Hospital, where he died, reports TOI.

Construction and Upgradation of Hospitals

For 2026–27, Rs 620 crore has been allocated for constructing medical colleges, hospitals, and super-speciality hospitals across Karnataka, with an additional Rs 220 crore for medical equipment procurement. The existing 400-bed Jayadeva Cardiovascular Hospital in Mysuru will be upgraded to a 600-bed facility at an estimated cost of Rs 180 crore.

Steps are being taken to operationalise previously announced institutions. A 300-bed hospital at Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district, sanctioned in last year’s budget, is being taken forward, while action has been initiated to establish a constituent college of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in Bagalkot. The State plans to set up new super-speciality hospitals at Karwar and Yadgir, each at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore, reports the Hindu.

Cancer Care Initiative

To strengthen cancer care services in north Karnataka, a cancer hospital will be established at Munirabad–T.B. Dam, serving patients from Vijayanagara and Koppal districts. Additionally, a regional centre of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research will be set up within the BBMP Multi-Speciality Hospital at Govindarajanagar, Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Greater Bengaluru Authority, at a cost of Rs 15 crore.

Completed Projects

Several projects under the Medical Education Department have been completed, including a 450-bed multi-speciality hospital in Karwar (Rs 198 crore), a trauma care centre at Raichur (Rs 10 crore), and peripheral cancer centres in Mysuru and Tumakuru (Rs 92 crore).

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