Daijiworld Media Network - Davangere

Davangere, Nov 18: Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday November 18 said that the government will consider paying compensation to families of patients who died due to closure of private healthcare establishments during the doctors' strike in the state.

Speaking to the reporters in Channagiri, the CM said that families of patients who died due to non-availability of treatment in private hospitals due to the strike should first lodge a complaint after which compensation would be considered.

The CM said there are no major changes made to the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Bill. "The doctors were under the impression that there was a provision to jail them for medical negligence. But there is no such thing in the Bill," he said.

He also added that the doctors have given their consent for the implementation of the universal health scheme. The government will fix the rates for the procedures conducted under the scheme.

The CM had earlier said that the death toll was exaggerated by the media, and questioned, "Do you have any proof that over 50 people have died in the state for want of treatment?" He also countered saying that many people died while standing in queues during demonetisation and was taken aback when a journalist asked him for proof.

The state president of Indian Medical Association Dr H N Ravindra apologised for the deaths soon after the strike was withdrawn.

State Budget and Elections

Speaking about the state budget, the chief minister said that it would be presented in February 2018.

"The Congress leadership will finalise the party candidates for the elections by January end. Several BJP leaders have expressed interest to join Congress and are in touch with me," he added.

Siddaramaiah said he would quit politics in case any corruption charge made against him during his tenure as CM was proven.