Karnataka to provide healthcare to all soon

In line with the 'Modicare' of the Central government, Karnataka too would provide healthcare to all people in the state soon, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday.

"The universal health coverage scheme under the name 'Arogya Karnataka Yojane' will be started this month to provide primary, secondary and tertiary treatment to all people in the state," Siddaramaiah said in the Assembly, presenting the state Budget for the ensuing 2018-19 fiscal.

The scheme is expected to be implemented in the entire state by the end of the year.

The Budget, however, does not mention the funds allotted for the implementation of the healthcare scheme or the specifics of how many people in the state it benefits.

"A total of 9,000 health and wellness centres will be set up for every 5,000 people over the next seven years for providing quality primary healthcare services," asserted Siddaramaiah, who is also the state Finance Minister.

A total of Rs 6,645 crore has been allotted for health and family welfare in the 2018-19 Budget.

The Chief Minister also proposed in his budget speech to construct a 1,000-bedded additional ward in Bangaluru Medical College and Research Institute here.

"A grant of Rs 90 crore is being provided for 2018-19 to commence the construction of hospitals in medical colleges of Gadag, Koppal, Chamarajanagar, which will be built at a cost of Rs 100 crore each," he stated.

--IANS

bha/qd