K'taka to establish 5 cancer hospitals to up treatment access

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

To address the challenge of patients travelling to Bengaluru for cancer treatment, the Karnataka government has decided to establish five cancer hospitals across the state. These hospitals, equipped with advanced facilities, aim to make treatment more accessible, according to Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development, Livelihood, and Raichur District In-charge. Responding to a question during the Legislative Council session on Monday, Dr Patil stated that steps have already been taken to set up hospitals in Karwar, Mandya, Shivamogga, Mysuru, and Tumakuru.

The government is also exploring the possibility of building a state-of-the-art cancer hospital in Belagavi if suitable land is available. Earlier, there were plans to establish the hospital within the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS), but the lack of adequate land posed a challenge. Regarding Belagavi, Dr Patil mentioned that legislators have differing opinions on the hospital’s location, and the government will finalise a decision after considering all viewpoints. For Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders, treatment at cancer hospitals will be provided free of cost. Above Poverty Line (APL) cardholders will be charged only 30 per cent of the treatment costs. Additionally, district and taluk hospitals offer quality care, ensuring cleanliness, proper facilities, and nutritious meals for patients.

The procurement of cancer treatment equipment is ongoing, and dialysis machines are available at 193 centres with 763 units operational statewide. Dr Patil also highlighted free, high-quality treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which covers up to Rs 5 lakh for BPL patients at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology.