KALABURAGI: Health Minister Ramesh Kumar has dismissed the allegation that the KPME Bill has been diluted to facilitate private medical practitioners. Ramesh told reporters that those who are blaming the government on this issue have not read the amended KPME Bill which was passed by both the houses.
He said private hospitals should charge fees mentioned in the rate list displayed in hospitals from all patients. “If hospitals charge higher rate than that of the rate shown in the rate board, the aggrieved person or his relatives can lodge complaint at the district grievances cell of which Deputy Commissioners are presidents.
He said the grievances committee would have quasi judiciary power and it comprises of district surgeon, district health officer, a member from Indian Medical Association and a member from women’s community or from NGOs.
“The committee would only impose penalty for two times for the lapse on part of private doctors and if they commit the same mistake again, the matter would be referred to IMC,” he said.
“If the committee finds any person giving false information, the committee has power to send such person to jail,” the minister said.
The rates for different diseases would be decided by a high-level committee comprising of specialists from government and private hospitals.