The Karnataka government has announced a significant policy shift that will extend subsidised blood supply to patients holding Above Poverty Line (APL) ration cards who are undergoing treatment in government hospitals. This move aims to alleviate the financial burden on middle-income and economically weaker families who previously faced substantial costs for blood transfusions.
Health Minister U.T. Khader stated that while Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders have been receiving free blood, many APL cardholders, despite their cards, belong to families that struggle to afford medical expenses, particularly during emergencies requiring blood. Information was available with The Chenab Times that this decision is a response to the rising number of patients needing transfusions due to illnesses such as dengue.
Previously, APL cardholders were required to pay ₹1,110 for a unit of blood in government healthcare facilities. Under the new policy, the exact amount of subsidy or the new concessional rate has not been explicitly detailed, but it is intended to make blood transfusions more accessible. The quantity of blood supplied will be determined by the treating doctor, ensuring that patients receive what is medically necessary without an arbitrary cap on the amount.
The government has also reinforced regulations for private hospitals regarding blood charges. They are now instructed not to charge more than ₹1,550 for a unit of whole blood. For blood components like plasma and platelets, the charge is capped at ₹400 over the prescribed processing fee. Minister Khader urged the public to report any instances of overcharging by private hospitals to the Health Department or the respective District Health Officer, warning that strict action will be taken against violators.
To bolster the state’s blood banking infrastructure, the Karnataka government has earmarked approximately ₹20 crore for the establishment of four Regional Blood Centres of Excellence. These centres are planned for Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru, Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru, the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences in Belagavi, and the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences in Hubballi. These regional hubs are intended to oversee and support blood banks in surrounding districts, monitor blood availability across all government centres, and facilitate the redistribution of blood units to prevent shortages.
The implementation of these enhanced blood transfusion services comes at a time when the state, like many others, has seen an increase in vector-borne diseases and other illnesses requiring blood transfusions. The government’s proactive measures aim to ensure that critical medical resources are available and affordable to a broader segment of the population, thereby strengthening the public healthcare system.
The Chenab Times News Desk