Karnataka Mulls Rs 2.5-Lakh Cashless Treatment For Accident Victims

The proposal, which has been discussed with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, is aimed at ensuring that accident victims receive immediate medical attention without bystanders worrying about treatment costs, Khader said after inaugurating a Trauma Care Centre and Emergency Care Unit at the Government Hospital in Kumta.

“The government is also working on a mechanism to ensure ambulances reach accident or emergency sites within 15 minutes of receiving a call. Legislation is being planned to impose a penalty of Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 on ambulance operators if they fail to meet the response time,” he added.

In another initiative in his department, Khader said stringent regulations would be framed under the Food Safety Act to prevent the sale of junk food that could adversely affect children's health near schools.

He said the government also plans to establish high-tech food testing laboratories to check the quality of food products and initiate strict legal action against companies found selling adulterated or substandard food items.

Pointing to the increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases such as heart attacks, cancer and kidney ailments, the minister stressed the need to promote healthy lifestyles and maintain environmental cleanliness through greater public awareness.

The minister said vacant posts of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory technicians in taluk hospitals across the state would be filled through permanent and contractual appointments to strengthen healthcare services.

Referring to the newly inaugurated trauma care centre at Kumta, Khader said it was the third such facility established by the state's Health Department and assured that additional funds would be provided to equip it with modern infrastructure.

Khader also said AJ Hospital and Srinivas Hospital in Mangaluru would be requested to adopt the trauma care centre and extend service.