Karnataka govt releases four crore rupees for free treatment of BPL people
Speaking at the inauguration of 3rd edition of Healthex International in Bangalore, Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar informed, “Four crore rupees has been released for the free treatment of 26 per cent of people below the line of poverty (BPL).” He also said that the health indices in Karnataka has become better over the years, right from the infant and maternal mortality rate to diseases like polio due to special steps taken by the government.
Reiterating the need for right to healthcare, Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, Founder and Chairman, Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospitals and Chairman, Healthex International 2012 said, “The Indian healthcare industry is undergoing a rapid expansion phase and in order to survive the healthcare market competition and growth, hospitals today are training and continuously updating themselves on current issues, challenges and the best methods to reach out to and serve their patients better. Healthex 2012 showcases and focuses on affordable, reliable, and sustainable medical equipment and technology under one roof and provide a global overview and comprehensive information on the current technological advancements in the industry. This event will take India to new heights in the field of medicine and allied services. There is a need to increase doctor to patient ratio and this can be done only by increasing hospital facilities across the country. In education sector, now there is Right to Education that guarantees education to all. So such an Act is needed in healthcare services too which guarantees healthcare to even poor. Time has come for people to start demanding Right to Healthcare.”
The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr Shetty, Chairman Healthex International 2012, Jagadish Shettar, Chief Minister, Karnataka and Aravind Limbavali, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Gov’t of Karnataka along with several luminaries from the healthcare industry at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).
EH News Bureau