Karnataka to Introduce Dedicated Healthcare Policy for Women

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Thursday, 29 October 2026

Karnataka will introduce a dedicated healthcare policy for women to improve access to medical services and strengthen women’s health and wellbeing across the state, Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader announced in Kalaburagi. The proposed policy will integrate existing welfare schemes into a comprehensive framework, with a dedicated technical director appointed to oversee its implementation.

Expressing concern over the inadequate attention given to women’s health, Khader emphasised the need for a coordinated approach to address their healthcare requirements.

“We will integrate the various schemes geared towards securing women’s wellbeing and formulate a comprehensive healthcare policy. We will also appoint a dedicated technical director for the purpose,” Khader said.

The announcement forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to improve public healthcare infrastructure, strengthen emergency medical services and expand access to treatment in rural areas.

Key Highlights

• Karnataka plans a dedicated healthcare policy to strengthen women’s wellbeing
• State to induct 750 GPS-enabled ambulances by December
• Taluk hospitals will receive ICU facilities and telemedicine support

The state government aims to add 750 newer, high-tech medical technology and GPS-tracking equipped ambulances to the Health Department's fleet by the end of this year. The goal of the initiative is to speed up the response to emergencies, especially in villages where medical facilities may be limited.

The government plans to provide an ambulance service "within 20 minutes" of a call in villages, Khader said. The government will fine the ambulance at Rs 3,000 if it doesn't reach the place in time.

The proposed measures aim to improve emergency medical assistance for women, children, older people and other patients requiring urgent treatment.

Khader also highlighted the need to reduce the burden on district hospitals by strengthening healthcare facilities at the taluk level. The government is working to ensure that services available at district hospitals are also accessible at taluk hospitals, enabling patients to receive treatment closer to home.

“We will ensure that all taluk hospitals house an ICU with at least five beds. In the event of such hospitals facing a staff crunch, patients will receive medical attention via telemedicine services,” he said.

The proposed expansion of intensive care units (ICUs) and telemedicine services are expected to enhance access to critical medical care in smaller towns and rural communities. These would also minimise travel and delays for patients who need specialist treatment.

Improving public health should not be limited to strengthening the medical infrastructure but should also include preventive measures, Khader said. He said that establishing more hospitals alone would not create a healthier society and called for changes in everyday dietary practices.

“We must create an environment wherein people don’t have to visit hospitals very often,” he said, urging people to regulate their consumption of salt and sugar and avoid reusing cooking oil.

The minister also urged the Union government to regulate the prices of medicines used to treat kidney and heart diseases, in addition to cancer medication. Affordable medicines, he noted, are essential to improving access to treatment, particularly for patients requiring long-term care.

Through the proposed women’s healthcare policy, improved emergency services and strengthened local hospitals, Karnataka aims to address healthcare gaps and make medical services more accessible. The dedicated policy is expected to bring greater coordination to existing programs focused on women’s health and wellbeing.