Bengaluru: Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, U. T. Khader, on Wednesday evening paid a courtesy visit to the central office of the Karnataka Muslim Muttahida Mahaaz (KMMM) at Darussalam Building on Queens Road, Bengaluru, where he interacted with representatives of more than 25 Muslim, social and youth organisations and discussed key issues concerning healthcare, education, political participation and community welfare.
The Minister was warmly welcomed by Mahaaz Convener Masood Abdul Qadir and other office bearers, including Joint Conveners Mohammed Yousuf Kanni, Tanveer Ahmed Sharief, Muhibbullah Ameen and Mansoor Ahmed Qureshi (Dadu Bhai), along with representatives from Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Jamiat-ul-Ulama, Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat, Solidarity Youth Movement Karnataka, SIO and several prominent community leaders.
Opening the programme, Mohammed Yousuf Kanni welcomed the Minister and expressed confidence that his leadership would strengthen healthcare delivery, educational opportunities and social welfare initiatives across Karnataka. He underlined the importance of collaboration between government institutions and community organisations to ensure welfare schemes effectively reach the poor, marginalised and medically underserved sections of society.
Introducing the Karnataka Muslim Muttahida Mahaaz, Convener Masood Abdul Qadir explained that the platform serves as a united forum bringing together over 25 Muslim organisations and institutions across Karnataka. The Mahaaz, he said, aims to promote political awareness, social harmony, collective participation and constructive engagement on issues affecting the community.
A key highlight of the interaction was the presentation made by social worker Touseef Ahmed, who spoke about his efforts in assisting economically weaker patients in accessing government healthcare schemes, medical consultations and treatment facilities in both public and private hospitals.
Drawing attention to Bengaluru’s worsening traffic congestion, Touseef Ahmed proposed the introduction of an Air Ambulance Service in Karnataka. He noted that delays in transporting critically injured road accident victims often result in the loss of precious time during emergencies.
“An Air Ambulance Service can prove to be a life-saving initiative and would significantly improve emergency healthcare response across the state,” he said, urging the Minister to consider implementing the proposal during his tenure.
Addressing the gathering, Minister U.T. Khader shared his perspective on the social, educational and political status of the Muslim community in Karnataka. Responding to concerns regarding representation in governance, he remarked that opportunities alone do not guarantee progress and that communities must also leverage those opportunities through performance, public service and effective leadership.
Reflecting on earlier political eras, the Minister recalled the contributions of veteran Muslim leaders such as S. M. Yahya and C. M. Ibrahim, noting that there were periods when Muslim representation in government was significantly stronger.
He urged the community to focus not only on grievances but also on strengthening its role through education, institution-building and constructive public engagement.
On healthcare reforms, Khader outlined his vision of expanding access to affordable treatment beyond existing BPL-focused schemes. While acknowledging the importance of welfare programmes for Below Poverty Line families, he said the government is also exploring ways to extend medical assistance to financially vulnerable families classified under the Above Poverty Line (APL) category.
“No deserving patient should be denied treatment because of financial constraints,” the Minister said, emphasizing that healthcare accessibility remains one of the government’s foremost priorities.
Khader also assured participants that he would remain accessible for addressing public concerns and community issues. Reiterating his commitment to inclusive governance, he said his department would continue working to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and public welfare mechanisms across Karnataka.
The meeting concluded on a positive note with discussions centered on healthcare accessibility, social development and the need for continued cooperation between community organisations and the government.
“Healthcare Beyond BPL, Better Leadership and Greater Community Participation” — Khader’s Message at Mahaaz Meet
The interaction is being viewed as a significant step toward strengthening dialogue between the state government and community organisations, with healthcare reforms, emergency medical services and inclusive development emerging as the central themes of the evening
Recently the office bearers of the Karnataka State Contract Medical Officers Association visited and submitted a petition related to their various demands.
On this occasion, a comprehensive discussion was held on many important issues including service security, salary revision, and stabilization of contract medical officers.
The petitions of the association were listened to carefully, discussed with the concerned authorities and an assurance was given to take necessary action.
