The march, titled 'Chalo District In-charge Minister's Office', will begin at Wenlock Hospital and proceed to the Minister's office located at the DC office in Padil.

The organisation has demanded the immediate cancellation of these agreements, alleging that they undermine public healthcare infrastructure and prioritise private interests over the needs of common citizens.

According to DYFI district president B K Imthiyaz, the Department of Health and Family Welfare has recently approved several partnerships linking government hospitals with private medical institutions. These include Belthangady Taluk Hospital and Moodbidri Community Health Centre being associated with Alva's Health Centre, Bantwal Taluk Hospital with A J Institute of Medical Sciences, and Vittal Community Hospital with Yenepoya Medical College.

Imthiyaz alleged that such collaborations reflect the government's inclination towards private medical college lobbies rather than strengthening the existing public healthcare system. He stated that repeated appeals to improve government hospitals have not yielded results, prompting the organisation to intensify its protest.

The DYFI has reiterated its long-standing demand for better public healthcare facilities in Dakshina Kannada. The organisation highlighted the need for establishing branches of premier institutions such as Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, and National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Mangaluru.

These institutions, known for specialised treatment in cardiac care, oncology and mental health respectively, are currently not available in the district. Residents often have to travel long distances for advanced treatment, leading to increased financial and logistical burdens.

However, the state government recently clarified that there is no proposal under consideration to establish such super-speciality institutions in Mangaluru, a stance that has further intensified criticism from the DYFI.

DYFI leaders also pointed out what they described as a significant shortfall in healthcare infrastructure across the district. According to district secretary Santhosh Bajal, several taluks—including Kadaba, Moodbidri, Ullal, Mulki and Mangaluru—lack adequate taluk hospitals. He further alleged that Mangaluru city itself does not have a community health centre.

The organisation claimed that the number of primary health centres, community hospitals and taluk hospitals falls below required standards, affecting access to basic medical services, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

Adding to the concern is the rising burden of serious illnesses. During the 2025-26 period, as many as 13,322 cancer patients, including those from outside the district, were admitted to various hospitals such as Wenlock Hospital. DYFI described this figure as alarming and indicative of the urgent need for improved public healthcare facilities.

The DYFI has criticised elected representatives, including BJP MLAs from the district, for remaining silent on the issue. The organisation also accused the district in-charge minister, who is also the state Health Minister, of failing to address the healthcare needs of the region.

Among its key demands, the DYFI has called for the establishment of a government medical college in Dakshina Kannada to ensure affordable treatment for economically weaker sections. It has also urged the government to upgrade Wenlock Hospital into a regional healthcare centre capable of handling specialised cases.

The upcoming protest highlights growing dissatisfaction with healthcare policies in Dakshina Kannada, particularly regarding the perceived shift towards privatisation. As the April 28 march approaches, the issue is likely to draw wider public and political attention. Whether the government responds with policy reconsideration or further clarification remains to be seen, but the demand for stronger public healthcare infrastructure in Mangaluru continues to gain momentum.