Karnataka to launch universal health coverage scheme by Feb end

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to launch the universal health coverage scheme of the state government by the end of February. The government had promised to roll out the scheme on November 1, 2017.

"Around 1.43 families in the state will get health coverage. The government may have to spend an estimated Rs 1,200 crore for the scheme," Minister of Health and Family Welfare Ramesh Kumar told reporters here on Friday.

People can enroll for the scheme in government hospitals by producing their Aaadhar card. After the enrollment, the Health department will issue them universal health card with which services can be availed of, he said.

The existing schemes such as Yashaswini, Vajpayee Arogyashree among others will be brought under the new scheme, ending confusions over getting medical services under different schemes, Kumar said.

The minister said the governor has signed the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Bill and the government is framing the rules. A committee will be formed to fix prices in private hospitals.

"Niti Aayog has suggested Karnataka to open part of its primary health care to private healthcare sector. But, I have opposed it and sent a letter," Kumar said.