Karnataka Relaxes Referral Rules Under Ayushman Bharat Scheme in Bengaluru Pilot

In a move aimed at improving patient access to specialised treatment, the Karnataka government has decided to ease referral requirements under the Ayushman Bharat–Arogya Karnataka health scheme on a pilot basis at four private hospitals in Bengaluru.

Under the existing framework, beneficiaries seeking treatment at empanelled private hospitals are typically required to obtain formal referrals from designated government health facilities. The new pilot initiative relaxes this condition for select high-demand procedures, allowing eligible patients to directly access treatment at participating private institutions without the procedural bottleneck of prior referral.

State health officials have framed the decision as a pragmatic response to delays and administrative hurdles that often impede timely care, particularly for low-income patients dependent on publicly funded insurance coverage. By simplifying the process, the government aims to reduce waiting periods, ease congestion at referral centres and improve overall service delivery under the scheme.

The pilot will be closely monitored to assess its financial sustainability and impact on patient flow before considering expansion across the state. While the reform promises greater convenience for beneficiaries, questions remain about regulatory oversight, cost controls and ensuring that access expansion does not compromise accountability within the public health insurance system.