H.D. Revanna, Minister for Public Works, instructed the Health Department to ensure that 108 ambulances do not function for the benefit of private hospitals. He was speaking to presspersons after dedicating four new ambulances in Hassan on Monday. The service, launched by the government, should help the poor, he said.

“Any emergency case reported in rural areas should be taken to taluk hospitals and from there, if necessary, doctors may refer them to the district hospital. The officers should keep a tab on drivers who take patients to private hospitals,” he said.

Mr. Revanna, who is also the Minister in-charge of Hassan district, said he would hold a meeting with district-level officers in this regard. Replying to a question on the widening of the Bengaluru-Mangaluru Road in Hassan city limits, Mr. Revanna said the Hassan CMC had proposed widening of the road as per procedure. “I am not aware of the issue in detail. Recently, owners of some shops and hotels came to me. One hotelier said he would lose his entire building if the road was widened. I told them I will get the details from the officials first,” he said.

On the Hasanamba temple controversy, he said the district administration would handle the issue. Officers would conduct rituals as per customs and traditions being followed for years.