Government hospital fees increased up to double, OPD, blood test also expensive

Karnataka Government: The Karnataka government has increased the fees for treatment and various medical services in state hospitals on a large scale. This decision has been implemented especially for hospitals under the Medical Education Department of Karnataka. Due to this increase, the prices of treatment and diagnostic tests in hospitals have become expensive by up to 20 percent. Along with this, the fee of many services has also seen a doubling. This increase has come into effect in hospitals under Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) and various autonomous medical institutions of Karnataka.

Statement of officials

BMCRI officials gave information about this increase and said that the fees for treatment, surgery, blood tests, and scans have been revised. Officials also said that the fees of hospitals were last revised 5-6 years ago, and this time the increase was necessary to keep the maintenance and operation of the hospitals smooth. However, officials called it a minor fee hike and said that not all tests and treatments are 20% more expensive, some blood tests are still free.

How much did the fees increase?

Under the recent amendments, the charges for various services in hospitals have been changed. According to a TOI report, the following charges have been increased:

Special ward (2 patients): Rs 750, now Rs 1,000.

Single bed special ward: Rs 750, now Rs 2,000.

General ward: Rs 15, now Rs 20.

OPD registration fee: Rs 10, now Rs 20 (double increase).

Inpatient registration fee: Rs 25, now Rs 50.

Inpatient bed fee: Rs 30, now Rs 50.

Apart from this, charges for some other services have also been increased:

Postmortem, medical examination, injury and physical fitness certificate: Rs 250, now Rs 300.

Medical board certificate: Rs 350, now Rs 500.

Diet advice: Rs 50.

Diet related advice: Now Rs 100.

What is the reason behind this increase?

Officials say that this increase has been made to meet the needs of operation and maintenance of hospitals. Hospitals under the Medical Education Department of Karnataka require adequate resources to provide better health services, and this increase will help in improving these services further. However, this increase can become a cause of concern for the common citizens of the state, as it is increasing the cost of treatment.

In conclusion

This increased fee policy of the Karnataka government can affect the availability of treatment and medical services in the state hospitals. While on the one hand this increase is being described as necessary to improve the maintenance and resources of hospitals, on the other hand it can increase the financial burden for common citizens. As a result, the government will have to evaluate the wider impact of this move and the challenges that come with it.