The controversial Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2017, which, if passed will give the state government power to determine fees charged by private hospitals, may be put on the backburner due to opposition from several legislators. The bill triggered a huge debate in the assembly on Tuesday and has now been referred to a joint select committee for a detailed study on possible implications for both private hospitals and patients. Coming down heavily on the opposition party, the ruling party led opposition, suggested that the bill be referred to the select committee, while stating that the Centre has taken several steps to make healthcare affordable to the marginalized sections.
The bill, which was piloted by Minister for Health, however, argued that the proposed bill was meant to regulate private medical establishments and not doctors. “There is a false campaign…
