-By ArdorComm News Network
April 23, 2025
In a significant development aimed at strengthening Karnataka’s flagship Yeshasvini health scheme, a government-appointed expert committee has recommended a revision of treatment rates—up to 50% for certain complex medical procedures. This long-awaited move is expected to encourage greater participation from private hospitals and improve access to quality care for lakhs of beneficiaries.
The committee, chaired by Kudligi MLA and ophthalmologist Dr. Srinivas N.T., submitted its findings to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday. The report suggests a standard rate hike of 15% to 25% for most of the 2,128 existing procedures, while recommending a substantial 50% increase for high-end procedures such as paediatric heart surgeries, oncology, neuro-surgery, and interventional radiology.
First launched in 2003, the Yeshasvini scheme is one of India’s largest self-funded healthcare models. Merged under the Arogya Karnataka umbrella in 2018 and reintroduced in 2022-2023 due to public demand, the scheme allows rural families to access cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh annually with a nominal contribution of ₹500. Urban families pay ₹1,000 for the same benefits. Over 45.6 lakh cooperative society members are currently enrolled.
The committee met 13 times over six months, consulting top doctors and health industry experts to assess current market trends. As a result, six outdated procedures have been dropped and 69 new ones added, bringing the total to 2,191.
Dr. Srinivas noted that outdated pricing deterred many private hospitals from participating. Currently, 782 hospitals are empanelled, and the revisions could potentially increase this number. In 2024-2025, 68,159 beneficiaries were treated at a cost of ₹117.79 crore. With the projected rise in treatments and expanded coverage, the committee has requested an additional ₹40 crore in government funding to support the revamped scheme.
Source: The Hindu