Karnataka to frame policy against hospitals withholding bodies over unpaid bills
Bengaluru: Karnataka’s Health Department is planning to introduce a clear policy to prevent hospitals from withholding the bodies of deceased patients due to outstanding medical bills. Health Minister U.T. Khader announced the proposed move on Thursday.
The Health Department recently held a meeting with representatives of private hospitals to reduce the burden of medical expenses on people. He stated that his first priority is the welfare of the common people. Patients should not be burdened with excessive fees for any reason.
“No hospital should prevent the dead body because the due bill has not been paid. A clear policy will be made regarding this,” minister Khader said.
The health department also discussed about reducing the rates of expensive lifeguard drugs, including cancer, heart, kidneys and cutting unauthorised MRP increases.
The minister said that a meeting would be held with drug manufacturers and distributors in the coming days. A separate meeting will be held with insurance companies to prevent charging extra charges for patients with health insurance and simplify the claim process.
The department has also discussed several problems faced by private hospitals regarding the Fire Department, Pollution Control Board, and Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act (KPME Act). The minister stated, “Action will be taken to resolve these. Discuss with department officials about the overdue fees collection of private hospitals. The next decision will be taken. The government is committed to formulating a transparent system so that patients are not frauded and people are fraud.”
Moreover, a meeting with the Health Department General Secretary, Health Commissioner, 108 Executive Directors and 108 officers was also held to discuss the new tender process of the 108 Health Armor emergency ambulance service.
The minister stated, “Every minute is as important as saving lives during an emergency. So the ambulance should reach without delay in any corner of the state. I have instructed the authorities to complete the new tender process completely transparently and within the scheduled time.”
“The time to reach the ambulance in the new system should be reduced. Vehicles should be in good condition. Staff should get proper training. People from rural and remote areas should also get good service as in cities. There is no compromise on the quality of service,” he further added.
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