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Karnataka, known for its advanced healthcare infrastructure, is home to several hospitals that provide free or highly subsidized treatment to underprivileged communities. These institutions, often supported by government schemes, charitable trusts, or philanthropy, ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of economic status. Below is a detailed overview of some of the best hospitals in Karnataka offering free or low-cost treatment, particularly for critical conditions like cancer, cardiac issues, and general medical care.
1. Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru.
Located in the heart of Bengaluru, the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology is a premier government-run cancer hospital and one of the top facilities in Karnataka for free or affordable cancer treatment. Established in 1971, KMIO caters to over 17,000 new cancer patients annually, primarily from Karnataka and neighboring states.
It offers Comprehensive cancer care, including medical, surgical, radiation, and pediatric oncology, chemotherapy. KMIO provides free or subsidized treatment to patients below the poverty line (BPL) and offers anti-cancer drugs at 50% less than market prices through the Kidwai Cancer Drug Foundation.
2. The Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSSIHMS).
It is a super-specialty hospital renowned for providing completely free medical care to all patients, regardless of their financial background. This charitable hospital, located in Whitefield, operates with a mission to deliver healthcare with compassion and dedication.
It offers Cardiac surgeries, neurosurgeries, cardiology procedures, deliveries, and outpatient consultations.The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for complex procedures. All treatments, including expensive surgeries like heart operations, are provided free of cost, supported by the Sri Sathya Sai Trust.
3. Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bengaluru.
Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre is a not-for-profit organization in Bengaluru dedicated to providing free or subsidized cancer treatment to economically weaker sections. Supported by corporate donors, philanthropists, and the Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham Charitable Trust, the hospital has treated over 30,000 patients with free or low-cost care.
It offers Comprehensive cancer care, including surgical oncology, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and advanced procedures like robotic surgery and brachytherapy. It also houses Karnataka’s first Centre for Ophthalmic Oncology. The hospital reserves beds for underprivileged patients and offers free or nominal-cost treatment, funded by donations.
4. Victoria Hospital, Bengaluru.
As one of the largest and most prestigious government hospitals in Karnataka, Victoria Hospital offers a wide range of medical services at minimal or no cost to patients from all economic backgrounds. Affiliated with the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, it serves as a major healthcare and educational hub.
It offers General medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, and trauma care. The hospital is also a center for cancer treatment. Free treatment is provided to BPL patients under schemes like Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK), which covers 449 surgical procedures, including cancer and cardiac treatments.
5. Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Kalaburagi and Bengaluru.
The Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research is a leading government hospital specializing in cardiac care, with facilities in Bengaluru and a newly established center in Kalaburagi. It is recognized for providing high-quality treatment to economically weaker sections, particularly BPL patients.
It offers Cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, interventional cardiology, and cardiac rehabilitation. BPL patients receive free treatment, including surgeries and diagnostics, under government schemes like AB-ArK. APL patients receive up to 70% cost coverage.
Government Schemes Supporting Free Treatment.
Karnataka’s healthcare system is bolstered by initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka (AB-ArK) scheme, which integrates with the Mukhyamantri Arogya Karnataka Scheme to provide universal health coverage. Under AB-ArK, BPL patients receive free treatment, while APL patients pay only 30% of the cost for 449 procedures, including cancer, cardiac, and trauma care. The scheme also provides free admission, food, travel allowances, and medicines at 176 government hospitals across the state.