The Karnataka government plans to establish cancer hospitals in five key locations to reduce patient dependence on Bengaluru for treatment, according to Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil.
Responding to a query from MLC M Nagaraj in the Legislative Council, Patil emphasized that priority is being given to setting up these hospitals with “all necessary facilities” in place.
Highlighting past efforts, Patil stated, “During my tenure in the previous government, I established a cancer centre in Kalaburagi and have now sanctioned 250 beds for it. The government has initiated steps to set up well-equipped cancer hospitals in Karwar, Mandya, Shivamogga, Mysuru, and Tumakuru.”
As reported by medicaldialogues, he further mentioned that the government is “seriously considering” a cancer hospital in Belagavi, provided a suitable site is found. While there were earlier plans to open a facility at the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS), a shortage of land delayed the project.
Addressing treatment costs, Patil noted that cancer hospitals offer free treatment to patients with Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards, while Above Poverty Line (APL) cardholders are charged 30% of the treatment cost. He added, “We are ensuring quality treatment and essential facilities in district and taluk hospitals.”
Separately, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, launched a book authored by Vasundhara Raghavan, CEO of the Kidney Warriors Foundation (KWF). The book investigates key factors driving the rise in kidney disease and highlights gaps in healthcare delivery, focusing on government policies aimed at early intervention and high-risk management of the condition.