Karnataka government pays for ministers cure

Bengaluru: The government of Karnataka has decided to reimburse Rs 1.16 crore spent on the treatment on housing minister Ambareesh for. The announcement  has triggered a controversy with people criticising the government for paying medical bills of a minister from tax payers’ money.

The 61-year-old actor turned politician was admitted to a hospital on February 21 after he complained of breathlessness and was later shifted to Mount Elizabeth hospital in Singapore for further treatment.

According to a notification issued by the department of personnel and administration (protocol) on July 11, the government will reimburse the amount he paid for treatment at Mount Elizabeth hospital.

As per the Medical Attendance Rule of 1958, the maximum reimbursement normally is Rs 5 lakh, provided ministers avail treatment within the country.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also heads the finance department, said, “In special cases we can give. It is the discretion of the government.”

Energy minister D.K. Shivakumar said the government had arranged for his shifting to the Singapore hospital.”