The Karnataka Government has decided to roll out a new Universal Health Scheme (UHC) from November 1 (Karnataka Rajyotsava Day) for providing medical treatment to all 1.40 crore households of the State.
The new scheme called “Arogya Bhagya” would eliminate overlapping of existing multiple health schemes and duplication in funds release.
A State Cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday decided to implement the new health scheme through Aadhaar linked universal health card to each of the households in the State. All the existing seven different health schemes would be merged under the universal health coverage scheme.
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Briefing presspersons after the Cabinet meeting, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T.B. Jayachandra said all the seven existing schemes such as Vajapeyi Arogyasri, Yashaswini, Jyothi Sanjivini, Mukhyamantri Santhwana Harish scheme, JananiShishu Suraksha Karyakram, Rajiv Arogya Bhagya, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, would be merged under one universal health scheme. The idea is to bring together all the existing health schemes under one banner.
Regardless of income, all citizens can use the benefits of the new scheme. The annual cost of implementing the new scheme would be ₹869.4 crore.
Households of rural and urban areas would be enrolled with Aadhaar details with contribution of ₹ 300 and ₹ 700 per person, respectively.
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Under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act, the Government would fix rates for various secondary and tertiary procedures to be paid to private hospitals. Till amendment to the KPME Bill (2017) was done, Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) rates would apply for all procedures. The average expenditure would be ₹ 25,000.
In case of emergencies, both accident, and medical/surgical, treatment can be provided in the nearest facility available irrespective of government or private to ensure “treatment first, payment next,” policy Mr. Jayachandra said.