Health Dept to Crack Down on Overcharging Hospitals, Boost Support for Government Doctors: U.T. Khader

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 8, 2026: Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader on Monday warned private hospitals against charging additional fees from beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) scheme and said strict action would be taken against institutions violating government healthcare norms.

Chairing a review meeting of the Health Department in Dakshina Kannada district with senior officials and medical professionals, Khader said the government has taken several decisions to strengthen public healthcare services and improve accountability in the private sector.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, the minister said private hospitals must not collect any extra money from BPL cardholders receiving treatment under the AB-ArK scheme. He stressed that government-appointed Arogya Mitras play a key role in ensuring beneficiaries receive treatment without difficulty.

“If Arogya Mitras fail in their duties or do not assist patients properly, strict legal action will be initiated against them. Private hospitals refusing to provide treatment under government-sponsored health schemes will face cancellation of their licences,” Khader said.

The minister also assured that the government would review the existing 30:70 cost-sharing arrangement for APL cardholders and take an appropriate decision.

Khader said the meeting also focused on the shortage of doctors in government hospitals across the state. To attract and retain medical professionals, the department is planning new measures, including salary enhancements for doctors serving in rural and hilly regions.

He further said discussions are underway to regularise contractual doctors. “Earlier, contractual doctors were made permanent after three years of service. The government is considering reintroducing this system and a suitable decision will be taken soon,” he added.