Belagavi: Belagavi Cantonment Board has proposed strengthening healthcare services at Cantonment Board Hospital by increasing manpower, expanding facilities and seeking specialist doctors from the state govt.The proposals were discussed at a special board meeting Thursday, chaired by Brigadier Girish Upadhyay. Belagavi MLA Asif Sait and Cantonment Board chief executive officer Sudam Manchalwar attended.Hospital development was a key agenda item. Officials said the 30-bed hospital admits 30 to 40 patients every week, conducts two to three deliveries a day and caters to around 3,000 outpatients every month.Board members stressed the need to improve infrastructure, increase the number of doctors and other staff, and introduce more specialist services. They said the objective was to provide comprehensive treatment locally and refer patients to the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) or other hospitals only in critical cases.The board discussed approaching the state govt to depute doctors to the hospital and seeking financial assistance from charitable organisations and philanthropists to upgrade medical facilities.Officials said a proposal to expand the hospital building would be considered if the existing premises were found inadequate. Members also discussed developing the hospital on the lines of BIMS, with additional specialist doctors and improved treatment facilities.The meeting also reviewed ongoing road development works within Cantonment limits. Members were informed that most projects had been completed, while work on Ramghat Road was still pending.Other issues discussed included pension benefits for 161 employees, the possibility of setting up a women’s gym at one of three identified locations and matters related to the board’s banking arrangements.