Karnataka has tasked Kirloskar Systems Limited director Geethanjali Kirloskar to mobilise companies to invest in public healthcare in the state.
She has been appointed as the head of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee under the Health Department.
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said that 76% of companies in Karnataka have contributed Rs 8,619 crore via CSR in 2020-21.
"Her vast experience as an entrepreneur and philanthropist will help leverage CSR initiatives to enhance public healthcare in the state," Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said.
The government wants her to concentrate on getting contributions to Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in rural areas. There are more than 900 PHCs running 24/7 in the state. Kirloskar said she had drafted a list of companies willing to contribute and that she has to schedule meetings with companies for the same.
On March 10, PHCs at Singasandra and Roopenahalli built at a cost of about Rs. 2.5 crore by the department, with a contribution of Rs.78 lakh from BOSCH company's CSR initiative, was inaugurated.