Bengaluru: Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Bill has become a major cause of discomfort for the sate government and keeping in this mind the government is likely to call a special session to get approval for the controversial Bill.
According to the sources in the state health department, legislature committee formed by the state government under the chairmanship of Madhugiri MLA Mr. K N Rajanna has already submitted revised copy of the bill and state government wants to implement it at the earliest.
“State government wants to implement a new universal health scheme at the earliest under Arogya Bhagya scheme. This act is an integral part of this new scheme. So, prior to implementing the Arogya Bhagya scheme, this bill should become an act,” said an officer.
It can be recalled that state government’s effort to get approval for this bill in the budget session was foiled by the state-wide protests by the doctors. Later it was decided to refer the bill to a legislature committee.
Under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2017, the government will fix rates for procedures in private hospitals, set up grievance redressal cells, prohibit any additional charges and any advance payment in case of an emergency. The Bill, if passed could enable the government to regulate functioning of private hospitals in all aspects.
