Bengaluru, August 02: Saying that the government would issue universal health cards under the ‘Arogya Karnataka’ programme by 2019, Health Minister Shivanand Patil said that those who do not have health cards could also get treatment in both government and private hospital by producing ration card.
Speaking to reporters at the Vidhana Soudha here on Thursday, the Minister said that people need not worry about not having health cards. If they have ration cards, they could get treatment in government and private hospitals. Health card is mandatory for treatment. But there is no compulsion to get health cards. Under this programme, the treatment was being given based on APL and BPL card categories, he said.
The In-Patients were being given the health cards after giving them the treatment. There was no condition that people should have health cards before admitting into hospital. So, there was no need to stand in queues to get health cards, the Minister clarified.
Treatment even without health card
Treatment was given to more than 15,000 patients in private hospitals based on ration cards under this scheme. By August end, the distribution of health cards in 11 major general hospitals would be completed. In the first phase, 3 lakh cards were distributed. In taluk hospitals, registration of patients and distribution of cards would be commenced in October. There was a plan to merge Ayushman Bharat of the Central government and Arogya Karnataka scheme of the state government and introduce a model healthcare programme in the state, he said.
It was planned to give healthcare facility to over 2 crore population including 62 lakh families under Ayushman Bharat scheme and 1.20 crore under Arogya Karnataka scheme, he said.
No scarcity of doctors
The government has solved the doctors problem in government hospitals. Doctors were available in all hospitals and specialist doctors were also appointed. The doctors who have been to higher education while in duty, have returned to their profession. So, there was no scarcity of doctors. In order to fill the specialist doctors in government hospitals, the government has started bid (auction) system. Out of 300 doctors participated in the bid, 200 doctors were working. Within a week, once again the private doctors would be invited for the bid, he said.
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Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.

