Belagavi: The state government plans to table the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) amendments bill in the Assembly on Tuesday to regulate the healthcare system through amendments to the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act, 2007.
Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting here, a senior leader said, "We are planning to table the KPME amendment bill tomorrow with slight changes."
The leader further added that the imprisonment clause which recommended jail term for doctors erring in the diagnosis would be amended. In its place, a fine would be recommended for the wrong diagnosis. Price cap would only be applicable for select procedures and body to decide price caps would have to be set up. The price cap would be applicable to only BPL card holders and those covered under the government insurance.
The Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA), which represents 327 private hospitals in Bengaluru, on Thursday last week had called off strike over the KPME Bill. Doctors had protested against the Siddaramaiah government's attempt to table the bill, which includes price regulation for procedures at private hospitals and punishment including imprisonment for wrong treatment against doctors. Protesting doctors had alleged that the bill is an election gimmick by the government.
