Karnataka to extend subsidised blood supply to APL patients in government hospitals
The Karnataka government plans to provide subsidized blood to patients with Above Poverty Line (APL) ration cards in government hospitals. The Health Minister also reiterated price caps for blood and blood components in private hospitals to prevent overcharging.
Why it matters
This policy aims to improve healthcare accessibility for middle-income families and regulate the cost of essential medical services.
The Karnataka government will soon extend subsidised blood supply to patients holding Above Poverty Line (APL) ration cards who seek treatment in government hospitals, Health Minister U.T. Khader said on Saturday.
Addressing presspersons, Mr. Khader said that while free blood is currently provided to Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders, many APL cardholders also belong to economically weaker and middle-income families and struggle to bear the cost of blood during medical emergencies.
“Many people have been issued APL cards for various reasons, but that does not necessarily mean they are financially well off. When they require blood during treatment, they often have to struggle for money. We are planning to provide blood free of cost or at a nominal charge, based on medical necessity, even for such patients,” he said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in