Now private hospitals to treat COVID patients

Udupi: Due to an increasing number of COVID-19 cases being reported in the sate, the state government has decided to involve the private hospitals in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
“Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) has held extensive discussions with private hospitals and their associations to involve the private hospitals in the treatment of COVID-19 cases,” the order dated June 20 by Health Department Additional Chief Secretary stated.

 “A few hospitals empaneled with the SAST have also entered into MoU for the treatment of COVID-19 patients,” it added.

The private hospitals empaneled with SAST under the AB-ARK scheme are notified for the treatment of COVID-19 patients referred to by the Government Health Authorities.

The conditions guiding the treatment of patients referred to by the Health Authorities are:
1. A referral will have to be made by a Public Authority viz. Commissioner, BBMP, Director, Health and Family Welfare Services, DHOs, DLOs, etc.
2. Immediately on the admission of a patient, the hospital will notify SAST and start the treatment.
3. The treatment protocol issued by the State government from time to time has to be followed mandatorily.
4. The hospital will be paid as per the appropriate package rate for COVID-19 management. Further additional packages will also be applicable for co-morbidities.