Mangaluru: Health and family welfare Minister UT Khader said the state govt has formulated several schemes to safeguard public health and reduce the burden of medical expenses in Karnataka. He said that ‘Sandhya Kirana Scheme’ for retired govt employees and ‘Bike Ambulance’ services for emergency care in traffic-congested cities will be fully implemented soon.Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, the minister said that while govt employees get healthcare benefits under ‘Karnataka Arogya Sanjeevini Scheme’ during their service, they lack proper health security after retiring at age 60. So, Sandhya Kirana Scheme has been formulated to provide free medical treatment to retired employees in 60-70 age group, and their family members.Retired employees can avail of this benefit by contributing 1.25% of their pension amount. In the event of an employee’s death, family members can continue to benefit from the scheme up to the age of 70 by contributing 0.75% from the family pension. The cabinet has already approved the scheme, and it will be launched shortly, the minister added.On Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana for those above 70 years of age, Khader said there is a lack of clarity regarding the scheme and its funding. A letter will soon be written to the Prime Minister and the Union health minister seeking clarification. “Once we get from the Centre, free healthcare for everyone above the age of 70 will be implemented in the state,” he added.Bike ambulancesIn major cities like Bengaluru, heavy traffic makes it challenging for conventional ambulances to reach emergency spots quickly. To address this issue, 100 newly designed bike ambulances are being deployed on roads.“In cases of accidents or medical emergencies, these bike ambulances will reach the spot immediately to administer oxygen and first-aid care to stabilise the patient, who will then be transported in a standard ambulance,” he said.Additionally, to strengthen the 108 ambulance service across the state, 450 new vehicles are being procured. Combined with existing vehicles, a fleet of over 750 ambulances is being prepared. Strict regulations are being introduced to ensure ambulances reach within 20 minutes in rural areas and 15 minutes in urban areas.
