Rao explained that AB-ArK covers nearly 1.4 crore households, including 69 lakh CGHS families. The state currently spends almost ₹2,000 per family each year. In contrast, the Centre should provide ₹1,000 for CGHS households but has released only ₹450 crore so far. Karnataka has already spent ₹1,800 crore. Any increase in surgery rates would push the state into deeper financial stress, so the government will not revise charges now.

JD(S) member Govindaraju later raised concerns about rising cesarean deliveries. Rao responded that many women choose C-sections due to fear, social pressure, or labor pain, not only due to malnutrition. He added that the state can intervene only when hospitals conduct procedures without consent.

The minister urged families to build better awareness about pregnancy care. He also said Bengaluru hospitals have reduced waiting times with QR-based systems. Doctors and paramedical teams remain fully available in major hospitals.

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During the discussion, LG Gupta thanked the Union Government for its continued support. He updated JP Nadda on the progress of Ladakh’s first Medical College and the proposed Nursing College in Leh. Land allotment, central funding and proposal submissions are already complete. He requested faster administrative approvals so both institutions can start soon.

The upgrade of District Hospital Kargil from 100 to 200 beds also came up. Construction work is moving ahead, but the approval of essential medical posts still needs urgency.

LG Gupta further called for a CGHS wellness centre in Leh to support central employees and pensioners living in Ladakh. He also sought full PMJAY coverage for the ST population due to higher treatment costs in the region.

Other proposals included a dedicated AYUSH Hospital and an AIIMS campus in Leh to improve tertiary care and medical research. JP Nadda welcomed the ideas and assured full cooperation from the Ministry.

The post Healthcare Projects in Ladakh Move Ahead, Says LG Gupta appeared first on India Podcast.

Experts said the revision will strengthen healthcare infrastructure and make treatment more viable for private hospitals. Emkay Global Financial Services noted that the move meets long-pending demands from private healthcare providers to align rates with rising medical costs. ICRA added that it will positively impact hospital chains serving CGHS patients.

The new policy introduces a tier-based rate system, separating NABH-accredited and non-accredited hospitals. Super-specialty hospitals with more than 200 beds will earn a 15 per cent premium over the base rate. Hospitals in smaller cities will also see improved reimbursement levels.

This update is expected to make high-quality hospitals more accessible to patients and increase treatment volumes. However, ICRA cautioned that delays in government payments under CGHS remain a concern compared to private and insurance-paying patients.

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