Since final reports can take one to two days, a consent form will be provided to those who wish to be admitted as in-patients during this period.
Published Mar 28, 2025 | 7:53 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 28, 2025 | 10:22 PM
Minister Sharan Prakash Patil said many patients cannot afford private accommodation in Bengaluru. (X)
Synopsis: Minister Sharan Prakash Patil issued the directive since most patients seeking treatment at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology are poor and cannot find affordable accommodation in Bengaluru while undergoing medical tests.
Karnataka’s Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil has directed the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO) authorities to treat those from poor financial backgrounds as in-patients until their final health investigation reports are issued.
Although this directive was first given during a recent review meeting at KMIO, it was officially confirmed and implemented during Patil’s visit to the institute on Friday, 28 March.
During the review, the minister questioned why the hospital’s bed occupancy was below 70%, despite a high influx of patients. Officials explained that beds were allocated only after a final diagnosis, leaving patients without accommodation during the waiting period between initial diagnosis and the issuance of their final health reports.
In response, Patil instructed KMIO to change its policy and admit patients during this interim period.
The minister emphasised that many patients at KMIO come from economically weaker backgrounds and cannot afford private accommodation in Bengaluru while awaiting their reports.
“This facility may not be necessary for those residing in and around Bengaluru, but for patients travelling from remote areas, especially northern Karnataka, it is essential,” Patil stated.
Since final reports can take one to two days, a consent form will be provided to those who wish to be admitted as in-patients during this period.
KMIO also offers free accommodation and meals at its dharmashala for patients awaiting their reports. However, Patil stressed that whenever beds are available, patients should be admitted to hospital wards rather than being directed to the dharmashala.
“If beds are occupied, then they can be accommodated in the dharmashala,” he added.
As more than 90% of the patients come to Kidwai belongs to the below the poverty line category, the minister directed the authorities to convert Shantidhama, a special ward and Aniketana, a semi-special ward, to general wards.
This move aims to provide relief to economically disadvantaged patients and ensure they receive the necessary care and comfort while undergoing critical health investigations.
To bring in the direction into effect, a circular and a patient consent form was issued by KMIO on Friday.
