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Karnataka Requires Private Hospitals to Provide Lifesaving Care for Bite Victims
15 Nov
Summary
- Karnataka amends law to mandate emergency care for snake, dog, and animal bite victims
- Private hospitals must provide first aid and stabilizing treatment without advance payment
- Government to reimburse hospitals for care provided under state health scheme
In a significant move, the Karnataka government has amended the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act, 2007, to strengthen legal provisions and ensure timely, lifesaving treatment for victims of dog, animal, and snake bites.
The amendment, which comes into effect on November 15, 2025, follows a Supreme Court directive issued earlier that month. The court had sought uniform access to Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV), immunoglobulin, and emergency care across all hospitals in the state.
Under the new clause inserted into the Patients' Charter, private medical establishments are now mandated to administer necessary first aid and provide lifesaving or stabilizing emergency measures to all snake bite or dog/animal bite victims without insisting on advance payment. These hospitals will also be eligible for reimbursement from the state government through the District Registration and Grievance Authority, at rates admissible under the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) scheme.
