Ever since the State government rolled out its version of the Universal Health Scheme (Arogya Karnataka) in March this year, only around 30,000 procedures have been conducted under it. Most of these procedures were undertaken at government hospitals.

Speaking during the Karnataka Health Summit conducted by Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes’ Association here on Sunday, Jawaid Akhtar, Principal Secretary, State Health and Family Welfare Department, admitted that when compared to the number of procedures conducted under the State government’s Yeshasvini Health Insurance Scheme during a similar time-frame, the number was quite low.

“But in the case of other schemes, including Vajpayee Arogyashree, which have been merged under Arogya Karnataka, the same numbers were being reached,” he said.

He blamed the low numbers on lack of knowledge about the scheme. “The government is now publicising the scheme through newspapers and television advertisements. Another reason for people not making use of the scheme was the misconception that a health card was necessary to avail services. But it is not mandatory for now. Eligible families can avail the scheme by showing their BPL and Aadhaar cards,” Mr. Akhtar said.

The summit also deliberated on the issues being faced by private hospitals owing to the scheme. Mallesh Hulimani, president, Karnataka Private Medical Establishments’ Association, said that though Arogya Karnataka was supported by all private hospitals, the clause that patients must first go to government hospitals and only by reference can they go to empanelled private hospitals would negatively affect smaller hospitals in the State.

Mallesh Hulimani, president, Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Association, said. “The scheme allows only secondary complex cases to be referred to private hospitals, which will amount to just 2% of all the cases. Also, the current rates for procedure were abysmally low. None of the small private hospitals will be able to survive,” he said.

However, Mr. Akhtar allayed fears and said that all emergency cases can be seen by private hospitals and under tertiary care, which has 307 procedures listed under it in the Arogya Karnataka scheme, most will be referred to the private hospitals.

Meanwhile, only 519 hospitals have empanelled themselves for the State government’s scheme. While several hospitals are waiting for the government to revise rates, some hospitals said there were delays in receiving MoU from the government despite applying to be empanelled. “There is also concern about whether the government would release money under the scheme to private hospitals in time. The government needs to create a proper appeal mechanism, which is heard by a third party that is neutral. This will ensure more hospitals join hands with the government,” said Col Dayananda Melanahalli, director, JSS Hospital, Mysuru.