Karnataka government in late June capped coronavirus treatment package rates for private hospitals. There are now two sets of rates for patients: those who are referred by public health facilities and those who approach private hospitals directly.
As per the notification issued by Chief Secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar on 50% of the beds in private hospitals having facilities to treat Covid-19 patients shall be reserved for the treatment of patients referred by public health authorities.
This will include the high-dependency unit and ICU (intensive care unit) beds both with and without ventilators. The hospitals may utilize the remaining 50% of Covid beds for admitting Covid-19 patients privately.
Prices are significantly higher for direct admissions in private hospitals.
“Unforeseen complications/surgeries/other co-morbid conditions/pregnancy etc of covid-19 patients will be eligible for additional charges,” the state government has said.
The package rates are inclusive of PPEs and other consumables but do not include high-end drugs and treatments like plasma therapy.
The ceiling price for Covid-19 treatment for patients directly admitted by private health providers making cash payment (non-insurance) per day cost is Rs. 10,000 for general ward, Rs. 12,000 for the high-dependency unit, Rs. 15,000 for isolation ICU without a ventilator, and Rs. 25,000 for isolation ICU with a ventilator.
These rates will not be applicable for patients subscribing to insurance packages as well as for agreements/Memorandum of Understanding entered into between hospitals and corporate entities.
Currently, in Belagavi KLE Dr.Prabhakar Kore Hospital, Venugram, Lakeview and Dr.Metgud are treating COVID-19 patients.
The ceiling rate for private hospitals‘ patients is for general wards and multi-sharing wards alone. An additional 10% may be charged for twin sharing wards and 25% more for single rooms. There will be no ceiling price for suites.
