In Karnataka, the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government is all set to announce a free health bhagya for all. Under the coverage, free medical treatment will be provided to everyone in both government and private hospitals. The decision is seen to be a move keeping an eye on the upcoming Assembly elections.
If implemented, Karnataka will be the first state in the country to offer free treatment in government and private hospitals.
Health Minister K R Ramesh Kumar, in his written reply to JD(S) MLA K Gopaliah in the Assembly on Thursday, said that one should differentiate between the rich and the poor when it comes to health ailments.
“Our government wants to provide free primary, secondary and tertiary medical treatment to all. One can get treatment at primary health centres, community health centres, taluk hospitals, district hospitals, government medical colleges and hospitals, and even private hospitals with whom the government signed an agreement,” he added.
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The government will also issue Aadhar card-enabled health cards. At present, only BPL and APL cardholders can get treatment at select hospitals.
As a supplement to the initiative, the government will also bring the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act.
“There is no dearth of funds and it will come in the next cabinet meeting for approval,” he said.
Kumar said that for prolonged illness or treatment, medicines will be provided free of cost.
“Health schemes under various departments will be brought under the universal health scheme. Under Rashtriya Arogya Rakshana scheme, the Union government will give funds to the state government”
