Karnataka Mulls Rs 2.5-Lakh Cashless Treatment For Accident Victims

After inaugurating the Trauma Care Center and Emergency Care Unit at Kumta Government Hospital, Khader said that the proposal discussed with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar aims to ensure that accident victims get emergency medical attention without worrying about the treatment costs of bystanders.

“The government is also working on a mechanism that will enable ambulances to reach accident or emergency sites within 15 minutes of receiving a call. The legislation is planned to impose a penalty of Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 on ambulance operators if they fail to meet the response time,” he added.

In another initiative under his department, Khader said stringent regulations will be framed under the Food Safety Act to prevent sale of junk food near schools which could adversely affect the health of children.

He said the government also plans to set up high-tech food testing laboratories to check the quality of food products and take strict legal action against companies selling additives or substandard food products.

Pointing out that the incidence of non-communicable diseases such as heart attacks, cancer and kidney diseases is increasing, the minister emphasized the need to promote healthy lifestyles and maintain environmental cleanliness through greater social awareness.

The minister said the vacant posts of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory technicians in taluk hospitals across the state will be filled with permanent and contractual appointments to strengthen healthcare services.

Referring to the newly opened trauma care center in Kumta, Khader assured that this is the third facility established by the state’s Ministry of Health and that additional funds will be provided to equip this center with modern infrastructure.

Khader also said that AJ Hospital and Srinivas Hospital in Mangaluru will be asked to adopt trauma care center and expand the service.