Bengaluru, March 28: Concerned about the financial burden on economically disadvantaged patients who travel long distances for medical checkups, Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, has directed officials at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO) to admit such patients as in-patients in hospital wards until their final health investigation reports are issued.
Although this directive was first given during a recent review meeting at KMIO, it was officially confirmed and implemented during Dr. Patil’s visit to the institute on Friday. During the review, the minister questioned why the hospital’s bed occupancy was below 70%, despite the high daily influx of patients. Officials explained that beds were allocated only after a final diagnosis, leaving patients without accommodation during the waiting period between initial diagnosis and the issuance of their final health reports. In response, Dr. Patil instructed KMIO to change its policy and admit patients into wards during this interim period.
The minister emphasized that many patients at KMIO come from economically weaker backgrounds and cannot afford private accommodation in Bengaluru while awaiting their reports. “This facility may not be necessary for those residing in and around Bengaluru, but for patients traveling from remote areas, especially northern Karnataka, it is essential,” Dr. Patil stated.
Since final reports can take one to two days to be issued, a consent form will be provided to those who wish to be admitted as in-patients during this period. KMIO also offers free accommodation and meals at its dharmashala for patients awaiting their reports. However, Dr. Patil stressed that, whenever beds are available, patients should be admitted to hospital wards rather than being directed to the dharmashala. “If beds are occupied, then they can be accommodated in the dharmashala,” he added.
As more than 90% of the patients come to Kidwai is BPL category, the minister directed the authorities to convert shantidhama, a special ward and Aniketana, semi-special ward to general wards.
This move aims to provide relief to economically disadvantaged patients and ensure they receive the necessary care and comfort while undergoing critical health investigations. To bring in the direction into effect, a circular and a patient consent form was issued by KMIO today. Administrator Y Naveen Bhat and director Dr Naveen were present
