Private medical institutions directed to join insurance scheme

Karnataka Health Minister UT Khader has warned reluctant private medical institutions of consequences, if they refused to join the government's Mukhyamantri Harish Santwana humanitarian scheme and provide trauma care to road traffic accident (RTA) victims.
He said in a statement here that the government would amend the Karnataka Private Nursing Home (Regulation) Act if the institutions were unwilling to join the scheme.
Over 400 accident victims have benefited from the scheme since it was introduced on March 8, Khader said.
The scheme ensures immediate medical treatment for victims of road accidents during the Golden Hour (48 hours) and cashless treatment to victims with a maximum amount of Rs 25,000 per victim.

The minister said there was concern over treatment costs going above the prescribed limit.
The health department had discussions with top medical professionals and had arrived at this cost which covered seven special care procedures and more than 500 other procedures.
The charges calculated included full ventilator support for two days, the minister added.