Karnataka Government Plans 1,000-Bed Multi-Speciality Hospital in Bengaluru for Free Organ Transplants

In a significant step aimed at improving healthcare access for economically weaker sections, the Karnataka government has announced plans to establish a1,000-bed multi-speciality hospital in Bengaluruto offerfree organ transplant services, in partnership with theAzim Premji Foundation.

Medical Education MinisterSharan Prakash Patilsaid the state government will allocate10 acres of land near NIMHANSon a long-term lease for the project. The proposed hospital will focus on providing advanced transplant care, particularly for patients who cannot afford costly procedures.

According to the minister, the foundation is expected to invest₹1,000 croreto build the hospital and spend around₹350 crore annuallyon its operations and maintenance. The land will be provided by the government on a99-year lease basis.

The facility will offer transplant services forkidney, liver, lungs, and other organs. Initially, a350-bed hospitalis planned to be operational within the nextthree years, with expansion to a full1,000-bed capacity over five years.

Calling it a unique healthcare model, Dr. Patil said nearly70% of the beds will be available free of cost, while the remaining30% will be offered at subsidised rates, which will also be covered under theAyushman Bharat–Arogya Karnataka scheme.

Currently, liver transplant services are being provided at theInstitute of Gastroenterology Sciences and Organ Transplant Institutein Bengaluru, which has been operational since 2016. The upcoming hospital’s proximity to NIMHANS will help ensure efficient organ harvesting and transportation.

The minister added that the hospital’s governing board will includethree government representatives. He also highlighted the growing demand for transplant services in the state, noting thatover 5,000 patients are awaiting kidney transplantsandmore than 1,000 are on the liver transplant waiting list.

On the future of the existing transplant facility, Dr. Patil said discussions are ongoing to possibly allow the foundation to manage it temporarily until the new hospital becomes operational, giving them hands-on experience in running such a specialised institution.

Separately, the Karnataka Cabinet also cleared compensation packages for landowners affected by theBengaluru Business Corridor project, under which948 acres of landhave been acquired based on a mutually agreed compensation framework.