Cabinet authorises CM to review KPME bill

The State Cabinet on Thursday decided to authorise Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to review the provisions of the controversial Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and consider changes sought by doctors.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Law Minister T B Jayachandra said the government has 'in principle' given its approval for the amendment bill which has provisions to regulate private hospitals.

The review will be done by Siddaramaiah in consultation with Health and Family Welfare Minister K R Ramesh Kumar and top officials of the Health department, Jayachandra said. The decision of the cabinet comes close on the heels of a Belagavi chalo call given by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). Around 25,000 doctors are expected to participate in the chalo to protest against certain provisions in the bill including the imprisonment clause for doctors for death of a patient due to medical negligence and setting up a grievance redressal committee.They want the committee to be abolished.

The Association has planned the Belagavi chalo call to coincide with the commencement of the winter session of legislature on November 13. The move of the government to review some provisions of bill indicates that it is still open for settlement with doctors of private hospitals. Jayachandra said there is a "98 % chance" of the bill being tabled during the Belagavi session itself.

Sand rules

In another decision, the State Cabinet gave its nod for amendments to the Mineral Concession Rules, 2016 to ensure supply of sand meets the demand. At present, there is a severe shortage of sand in the state. Jayachandra said the amendments made will ensure faster disposal of applications for production of m-sand. There are 2,000 applications from private players for m-sand production pending before deputy commissioners.

Another amendment provide for import of sand by Mysore Sales International Limited and also private players. Meeting a demand of traditional sand extractors in the state, a grace period of three months will be provided to them to renew their leases. The entire ambit of sand mining has been brought under the jurisdiction of the mines and geology department.

He said the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2017 which received the assent of the president will be placed before the legislature for ratification. The bill provides for legalising Kambala.

DH News Service