Mangaluru: Private hospitals cannot charge extra for Ayushman Bharat treatments, says DHO

Mangaluru: Private hospitals cannot charge extra for Ayushman Bharat treatments, says DHO

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 28, 2026: Private hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat–Arogya Karnataka scheme must provide treatments covered under the scheme free of cost to eligible beneficiaries, Dakshina Kannada District Health Officer (DHO) Dr H.R. Thimmaiah has said.

Despite the provision for free treatment, several complaints have been received alleging that hospitals are collecting additional money from patients for treatments covered under the scheme. Dr Thimmaiah said steps would be taken to ensure that any money collected illegally from beneficiaries is refunded.

Speaking at a press conference at his office, he said a meeting with representatives of private hospitals was held about 20 days ago under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner. The hospitals were instructed to strictly follow the scheme’s guidelines.

Launched in 2018, the Ayushman Bharat scheme provides eligible families with free medical treatment worth up to Rs 5 lakh annually. Fixed treatment packages are available for various illnesses. All hospitals have also been instructed to establish information centres in visible locations to help the public understand the scheme and its benefits.

PM-RAHAT scheme for road accident victims

Dr Thimmaiah also said preparations were underway to implement the PM-RAHAT scheme, which aims to provide emergency medical treatment to road accident victims.

Under the proposed arrangement, the Central government will provide free treatment worth up to Rs 1.5 lakh, while the Karnataka government will contribute an additional Rs 1 lakh.

Hospitals cannot refuse necessary emergency treatment to road accident victims under the Motor Vehicles Act, he said, adding that the scheme would cover victims irrespective of whether they belong to the Above Poverty Line (APL) or Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.

DHO urges parents to vaccinate children against measles and rubella

Dr Thimmaiah also appealed to parents to ensure that their children receive measles-rubella (MR) vaccination, citing reports of measles cases in Bangladesh.

Measles spreads easily, particularly among children and people with weakened immune systems. The DHO urged parents to ensure that their children receive the vaccine in two doses, at nine months and 16 months of age.

He warned that measles can cause serious health complications in children. Rubella infection during pregnancy can affect the developing foetus and cause congenital disabilities, including multiple developmental abnormalities.

He stressed the importance of vaccination to protect children and prevent the spread of these infections.