Minister asks Kidwai Hospital to admit poor patients awaiting cancer reports

Bengaluru: Medical Education Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil on Friday directed doctors and officials at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO) to admit economically disadvantaged patients, especially those from remote areas, as in-patients, and not wait for their final health investigation reports.

In a recent review meeting with officials of the government-run cancer hospital, Patil inquired about the bed occupancy rate, which was reportedly below 70%.

Officials explained that beds were allocated only after a final diagnosis, leaving patients from distant towns and cities without accommodation or support between their registration, initial diagnosis, and final reports.

Patil then instructed Kidwai authorities to revise the policy and admit patients into wards during this waiting period, saying that many travel long distances and cannot afford private accommodation in Bengaluru.

A consent form will be provided to those opting for in-patient admission while awaiting their final reports, which are typically issued within one to two days.

To accommodate these patients, Shantidhama (a special ward) and Aniketana (a semi-special ward) will be converted into general wards, in addition to the Dharmashala, which already offers free accommodation and meals for patients.

"This facility may not be necessary for those living in and around Bengaluru, but for patients from remote areas, especially northern Karnataka, it is essential," Patil said, stressing that over 90% of Kidwai’s patient load falls under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.

Kidwai administrator Y Naveen Bhat issued a circular on the same day, directing doctors to consider all registered patients as in-patients and obtain their consent accordingly.

The circular included a consent form in Kannada, requiring patients to provide their name, family members' names, Universal Health ID number, and signature, indicating their preference for in- or out-patient status during the waiting period.