Vinod M Jain
The Karnataka Lokayukta has directed the State government’s Health and Family Welfare Department and the Director of the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO) to respond to concerns over the alleged non-availability of critical cancer drugs,delays in implementing treatment packages,and administrative irregularities at the premier cancer hospital.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on August 25, 2026.
The directions were issued during the hearing of a suo motu case initiated by the Lokayukta based on an anonymous complaint alleging irregularities, administrative lapses and deficiencies in the functioning of KMIO.
During the hearing held on June 29,senior officials from the Health Department,KMIO and other concerned agencies appeared before the Lokayukta and submitted their explanations.
A key issue raised was the reported shortage of essential oncology medicines,particularly Trastuzumab, a targeted therapy used in the treatment of breast cancer,and protein supplements for patients.
Health Department officials informed the Lokayukta that a proposal to include Trastuzumab under the Health Benefit Package (HBP)-2022 of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Chief Minister’s Arogya Karnataka (AB-PMJAY CM’s Arogya Karnataka) scheme had been approved in principle and budgetary provision had been made.However, the implementation process is still underway.
The Lokayukta observed that despite assurances, compliance regarding the inclusion of the drug in the treatment package after April 13, 2026,had not been placed on record.
The Principal Secretary of the Health Department has been directed to submit a detailed compliance report and appear personally at the next hearing.
Officials also clarified that under the AB-PMJAY CM’s Arogya Karnataka scheme, Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Priority Household (PHH) families are eligible for annual health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh,while Above Poverty Line (APL) families receive coverage of up to Rs 1.5 lakh,with beneficiaries bearing 70% of treatment costs beyond the subsidised component.
The Health Department maintained that procurement of medicines does not fall within the mandate of the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST),which only reimburses hospitals for approved treatment packages after procedures are completed and claims are verified.
The government further submitted that inclusion of high-cost targeted chemotherapy and immunotherapy drugs requires detailed assessment of clinical effectiveness,financial sustainability and policy approval, as such therapies significantly increase treatment costs under the public health insurance scheme.
The hearing also examined requests to include advanced diagnostic procedures such as PET scans under the health benefit package.
Officials stated that although PET scans are presently not available as standalone procedures under the existing scheme,efforts are being made to include them in the revised HBP-2022 package.
Expressing concern over delays in implementing patient-centric measures,the Lokayukta observed that access to life-saving treatment for economically weaker cancer patients must receive priority.
The court stressed that the government should act expeditiously to ensure timely availability of essential medicines and treatment facilities.
The Lokayukta has directed copies of the order to be forwarded to the Principal Secretary,Health and Family Welfare Department,and the Director of KMIO for necessary action.
The case has been adjourned to August 25,2026,when the department is expected to file a compliance report and update the court on the implementation of its directions.
