Karnataka to extend subsidised blood supply to APL patients in government hospitals

To strengthen blood banking services, the government plans to establish four Regional Blood Centres of Excellence at an estimated cost of ₹20 crore. | Photo Credit: File Photo The Karnataka government will soon extend subsidised blood supply to patients holding Above Poverty Line (APL) ration cards who seek treatment in government hospitals, Health Minister U.T. Khader said on Saturday.Addressing presspersons, Mr. Khader said that while free blood is currently provided to Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders, many APL cardholders also belong to economically weaker and middle-income families and struggle to bear the cost of blood during medical emergencies.“Many people have been issued APL cards for various reasons, but that does not necessarily mean they are financially well off. When they