Karnataka Government Explores Price Controls for Basic Medical Procedures in Private Hospitals
In response to mounting citizen complaints about escalating healthcare costs, the Karnataka health department is actively considering a significant regulatory measure: imposing a price cap on basic medical procedures performed in private hospitals across the state. This initiative aims to introduce much-needed uniformity and affordability into the private healthcare sector, which has been criticized for its increasingly corporate-driven pricing models.
Minister Announces Proposal Following Right to Health Campaign
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao made this announcement on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of a 15-day Right to Health jatha that spanned 31 districts since February 2. Rao expressed deep concern over the growing corporatization of private healthcare, emphasizing that the government must step in to establish a benchmark for medical procedure costs to protect patients from financial strain.
"We are not targeting complex, high-end procedures at this stage," Rao clarified. "However, basic medical treatments should have some level of pricing consistency. Our department has prepared a detailed proposal on this matter, which I intend to present to the Chief Minister and the state cabinet within the next two weeks."
Focus on Basic Procedures and Stakeholder Involvement
The proposed cap would specifically apply to fundamental medical procedures, ensuring that essential healthcare remains accessible without burdening patients with exorbitant fees. Once the proposal receives cabinet approval, the government plans to form a committee that includes private healthcare stakeholders. This collaborative approach is designed to gather comprehensive inputs and foster cooperation between the public and private sectors in implementing the price controls effectively.
This move reflects a broader effort by the Karnataka government to address healthcare affordability, following the recent Right to Health campaign that highlighted widespread public dissatisfaction with current pricing practices in private hospitals.
