COVID-19 | Karnataka to cap price for CT scan at private facilities

Following a couple of complaints towards private healthcare facilities overcharging for CT scan, the Karnataka authorities has determined to shortly repair a charge for the scan.

“The expert committee has recommended CT scan for better diagnosis of COVID-19. In government facilities, we are doing the scan for free. But, we have received complaints of overcharging for CT scans in private hospitals. We will shortly cap the rates for scan and issue an order,” K. Sudhakar, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, advised reporters at Aiwan-e-Shahi Guest House in Kalaburagi on May 1.

When requested about when COVID-19 vaccines for these within the age group of 18 to-44 years can be made accessible, he stated it could be accessible as quickly because the vaccination suppliers had provided sufficient doses.

“COVID-19 vaccination drive for people in the age group of 18 to 44 years has symbolically been launched by Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa today in Bengaluru. We are not able to cover all in the age group at present as we have not received enough vaccine doses. We have ordered 2 crore vaccine doses. We are presently assured to be provided with only 3 lakh doses a day. We have 6,000 vaccination centres in the State and we will have to have at least 6 lakh vaccine doses a day when we go for universal vaccination. Once we get a proper supply of doses, we will go for vaccination on a large scale,” Mr. Sudhakar stated.

To a query on whether or not the federal government would provide vaccines to private hospitals or the private facilities themselves should procure them from the suppliers, Mr. Sudhakar stated that it could be determined as per the Union authorities pointers.

“Presently, the Union government is providing the private hospitals with vaccine doses for people above 45 years. Whether or not the Union government would continue to supply the vaccines to private hospitals for vaccinating those in the age group of 18 to 44 years is not clear. The Union government directions would be followed,” he stated.

When requested concerning the objections to the reservation of 15% beds in Bengaluru hospitals for COVID-19 sufferers of Chikkaballapur district, the Health Minister justified the transfer by stating that saving lives was extra vital.

“Where should patients from districts that don’t have well-equipped medical college and hospitals go for tertiary care? Chikkamagaluru, Ramangara, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar and Yadgir districts don’t have such well-equipped medical colleges and patients from these districts would have to be sent to nearby medical colleges and hospitals in the neighbouring districts,” he stated.

Mr. Sudhakar stated there was no proposal earlier than the federal government for a whole lockdown. “The results cannot be visible in just four days after we imposed the [partial] lockdown. Maharashtra is under lockdown for the last 44 days and now the condition is coming under control. If the situation doesn’t come under control, we will have to go for stricter measures,” Mr. Sudhakar stated.