Kumta: Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader on Tuesday said the state government is considering a scheme to provide free medical treatment of up to Rs 2.5 lakh for road accident victims during the first seven days of hospitalisation, irrespective of whether they are residents of Karnataka, other Indian states, or foreign nationals.
Speaking after inaugurating a Trauma Care Centre and Emergency Unit at the Kumta Government Hospital, Khader said the proposal aims to remove public hesitation in shifting accident victims to hospitals due to concerns over treatment expenses. He said the proposal has already been discussed with the Chief Minister.
The minister also announced that the government is drafting a new ambulance policy to ensure emergency vehicles reach accident sites within 15 minutes of a distress call. A law is also being planned to impose penalties ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 on ambulance operators for delays.
Khader said stricter regulations under the Food Safety Act would be introduced to curb the sale of junk food in schools and action would be taken against adulterated and substandard food products. He also said vacant posts of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory technicians in taluk hospitals would be filled at the earliest.
The minister described the newly inaugurated Trauma Care Centre at Kumta as the state's third such facility, saying it would strengthen emergency care along the busy national highway corridor.