Karnataka Approves Significant Hike in User Fees at BMCRI-affiliated Hospitals

Bengaluru, Nov 21 (PTI) - The Karnataka government has announced a significant increase in user fees for patients across several state-run hospitals affiliated with Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), sparking concerns over the burden on low-income families.

According to Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, the hike was "minimum" and necessary to ensure that hospitals can continue providing quality healthcare services. The revisions were implemented for treatment, surgeries, blood tests, scans, and other medical services starting from November 1.

The new rates vary significantly from the previous ones, with a single bed in a special ward now costing Rs 2,000 per day (compared to Rs 750 previously), while twin-occupancy charges have increased from Rs 750 to Rs 1,000. In-patient registration charges have also been hiked from Rs 25 to 50, and out-patient department (OPD) registration costs have increased from Rs 10 to 20.

General ward charges have risen from Rs 15 per day to Rs 50, while hospital procedure charges for patients in special wards will incur additional fees. The government has justified the increases by citing rising healthcare costs due to inflation and other factors.

Critics, however, argue that such steep hikes may be unsustainable for lower-income households who are already struggling with high living expenses. "These increases are out of touch with reality and will place an undue burden on the most vulnerable," said a patient advocate.

The Karnataka government maintains that these revisions were necessary to ensure sustainable healthcare services in the state-run hospitals, which cater to a large number of patients across socioeconomic backgrounds.