Bhatkal: The Karnataka state government has now allowed the selected private hospitals to treat COVID-19 in view of the growing number of Corona victims. This means the facility of free treatment that was officially served will no longer be available. Instead, patients will have to pay for treatment.

According to the state government's order, the 14 hospitals in Uttara Kannada district that have been assigned to treat Corona victims are as follows:
• Bhatkal: RNS hospital, Murdeshwar
• Honnavar: Shri Devi Nursing Home, St. Ignatius Hospital, Dr VKB Balkur Memorial Hospital.
• Kumta: Canara Health Care Centre, Achut Pandit Hospital, Dr Jaanu Maternity and Nursing Home, Ram Leela Hospital, Hi-tech Lifeline.
• Sirsi: Vishwa Seva Samiti Rotary Charitable Hospital, TSS Hospital.
• Karwar: Shetty Eye Hospital.
• Yellapur: Sai Netralaya.

According to sources, the government will pay 30% of the treatment cost of about 70% patients in private hospitals. Apart from this, these patients will also be able to get treated under Ayushman Bharat and Arogya Karnataka Health Cards.

It is also learned that the rates for treatment in private hospitals have also been fixed by the government according to which the daily expenses for a patient will be as follows: Rs. 5,200 for General ward, Rs. 7,500 with oxygen, Rs. 8,500 for Isolation ward, Rs. 2,600 for throat swab testing, Rs. 12,000 with ICU ventilator.

As per the government order, none of these private hospitals will be able to refuse the treatment of Corona patients, and legal action will be taken against the concerned hospital for billing more than the charges fixed by the government. Still, no official circular has been issued yet.