Daijiworld Media Network – Karwar
Karwar, Jul 31: In a major move to reform emergency healthcare services, health and family welfare minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced that ambulance services in the state will soon be brought under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act. This will include setting clear standards for ambulance infrastructure, service charges, and regulatory permissions, similar to how private hospitals are governed.
Speaking to reporters after a health department review meeting at the Zilla Panchayat Hall in Karwar, the minister said, "We are bringing ambulance services under the purview of the KPME Act. Ambulances will require proper approval just like hospitals. There will be fixed guidelines on what an ambulance must contain, how it should operate, and the fees it can charge.”
Ambulances to go app-based like Ola and Uber
In a citizen-friendly move, the minister said the government is planning to roll out a transparent, app-based ambulance service model on the lines of Ola and Uber. “Ambulance booking will soon become as easy as booking a cab. The fare will be fixed and visible beforehand, eliminating any scope for arbitrary pricing. This will ensure transparency and affordability for the public,” he added.
He pointed out that the current ambulance system has several flaws, including vehicles with substandard facilities — some operating with just a stretcher and no medical equipment. “To tackle this, we are setting quality benchmarks. Just like hospital approvals, ambulance operators too will now need permission to function,” the minister clarified.
He also revealed that the government is planning to bring the 108-emergency health service — currently run by private operators — under direct government control. “These vehicles will now be overseen by the deputy c ommissioner (DC), chief executive officer (CEO), and district health officer (DHO) to ensure better monitoring,” he said.
Round-the-clock maternity and childcare at taluk hospitals
Gundu Rao also announced an ambitious upgrade in maternity and neonatal care. “We’ve decided that taluk hospitals must offer 24x7 maternal and child healthcare services. To make this happen, each hospital will get two gynaecologists, paediatricians, and anaesthetists. In Uttara Kannada district, vacant doctor posts will be filled through compulsory rural service,” he said.
To attract more doctors to the public sector under the National Health Mission (NHM), the state has hiked salaries—MBBS doctors will now earn Rs 75,000 per month, while specialists will be paid between Rs 1.4 lac to Rs 2 lac.
The minister also announced government approval for filling 223 vacant posts for doctors, 400 pharmacists and technicians, 1,300 PHCOs, and health inspectors across Karnataka. “This will solve nearly 80% of our staffing problems,” he assured.
More healthcare boosts for Uttara Kannada
Responding to demands for improved treatment for endosalphan-affected patients, Gundu Rao said that the state is positively considering a 100-bed care centre in Uttara Kannada and will bring the proposal to the chief minister’s attention.
To control the spread of monkey fever (Kyasanur Forest Disease), a dedicated lab is being established in Sirsi, with necessary funding already sanctioned. Meanwhile, vaccine research is ongoing with the Indian Immunologicals Ltd., and a breakthrough is expected by next year.
He also confirmed that 99% of contract staff working under NHM will get their contracts renewed, bringing much-needed job security to thousands of healthcare workers.
The minister’s announcement signals a comprehensive overhaul in how Karnataka plans to deliver healthcare — making services more accessible, accountable, and in tune with modern digital practices.