Karnataka government could regulate cost of dialysis in private hospitals

BANGALORE: Karnataka health minister UT Khader said that the government would explore the possibility of regulating the varying cost of dialysis in the private hospitals.
Replying to a question by Muniraju S (BJP) in the assembly, the health minister said the cost of dialysis in private hospitals in the state varied from Rs 850 to Rs 1,850 per cycle.
He said the 24 government hospitals, which are offering dialysis services in the state, offer the service free of cost to the Below Poverty Line patients and at Rs 350 per cycle for others. ``We are opening dialysis centres in another 33 taluk hospitals,’’ the minister said.
Kidney transplants
During 2013-14, the government has given permission for 434 kidney transplants. In 2012-13, it was for 463 cases. ''Earlier, the committee to grant permission for kidney transplants used to meet once every 15 days. Now, it meets once every week. In case of emergencies, the permission are given in three days too,’’ said the minister.
Referring to liver transplant, the minister said it was being done in the government-run Bangalore Medical College at a subsidized rate. ``A live transplant costs Rs 29 lakh in a private hospital. But, it is done for Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh at the BMC,’’ Khader said.