The bill scraps several other provisions which were considered 'draconian" by doctors in private hospitals and nursing homes, protesting which they had struck work last week crippling health services.
The changes were made after the government and the striking doctors had reached an amicable settlement that led to the withdrawal of the indefinite strike on November 17.
'The Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2017', tabled by Health Minister Ramesh Kumar, aims at making necessary amendments to the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007 (Karnataka Act 21 of 2007).
It also provides for emergency treatment as per the need without insisting on payment of advance from patient or representative of the patient in specified cases and enhancing certain monetary penalties leviable under certain sections.
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It provides for levy of monetary penalty in case of non compliance of the patients charter or private medical establishments charter.
The bill was first tabled in the assembly on June 13 and later sent to the joint select committee following opposition by doctors and medical professionals.
The bill also stated that complaints pertaining to negligence,non-adherence to standard protocols for treatments, procedures and prescription audit shall be referred to the Karnataka Medical Council for inquiry.
The doctors had called off the strike after meeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and an interim order by the Karnataka High Court directing the agitating doctors to restore forthwith their medical services.
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