WHO has declared Covid – 19 a pandemic and worldwide measures have been taken to bring it under control. Among nations that are taking proactive measures, India too has been in the forefront. In India, with increased number of cases the Government of Karnataka has ramped up the measures to Combat the Covid 19. The private hospitals, nursing houses and other licensed health facilities have been permitted for treatment management of Covid 19 patients. With this, it is ensured that all who fall prey to the virus get proper treatment and none is deprived of institutional treatment.
Among the measures, the State Government is providing free treatment to the patients in private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat-Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) scheme. ‘Private hospitals treating Covid – 19 patients in Dakshina Kannada empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat-Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) scheme so far has treated 7815 Covid patients (includes patients of both Covid first and second wave) free of cost,” said Dr Ratnakar, Nodal officer of Dakshina Kannada.
Speaking to News Karnataka Dr. Ratnakar said, the government is ready to bear all the treatment costs. The State Government has granted Rs 32 crores for the same, he added. “Patients should bear in mind that the scheme applies only when the treatment is in a general ward and not for those who are admitted in special and semi-private wards,” he informed.
“The government has made an agreement with the private hospitals to provide treatment for Covid patients on priority. Both APL and BPL cardholders can get the benefit from this scheme. Even the Intensive Care Unit and ventilator treatment, Remdesivir and medicines will be provided free of cost to the Covid patients being treated under this scheme,” he added.
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