Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, June 15: The Karnataka government has made Aadhaar authentication mandatory for patients availing dialysis services at government hospitals under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme. The directive, issued recently, aims to streamline service delivery and enable Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) through the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust.

According to the order, all beneficiaries must verify their identity using Aadhaar to access free dialysis services. However, the government has clarified that treatment must not be denied to any patient—adult or child—simply due to the absence of Aadhaar.

Alternative documentation permitted temporarily

In the absence of Aadhaar, hospitals have been instructed to accept alternative identity documents to ensure uninterrupted treatment. A separate register must be maintained for such cases, and the implementing agency is required to conduct regular audits for accountability.

Hospitals must also support Aadhaar enrolment efforts. If Aadhaar registration facilities are not available nearby, authorities are instructed to provide access to such services through the implementing agency at convenient locations.

Aadhaar application compulsory for eligible individuals

Any individual eligible for Aadhaar as per Section 3 of the Aadhaar Act must apply without delay. For children, the Aadhaar application must be initiated with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

Accepted documents in the interim period

For children under 5 years of age:
• Aadhaar enrolment receipt or biometric update slip
• Birth certificate or official birth record issued by a competent authority
• School identity card signed by the headteacher

For individuals aged 18 and above:
• Aadhaar enrolment acknowledgement slip
• Any one of the following photo-ID documents:
• Bank or post office passbook
• PAN card
• Passport
• Ration card

Biometric failure protocols outlined

In cases where biometric verification fails, alternative authentication via iris scan or facial recognition must be employed. If those methods also fail, hospitals must resort to verifying identity using an Aadhaar-linked OTP (One-Time Password).

No disruption to critical care

The state government has emphasised that no dialysis patient should be turned away due to Aadhaar-related issues during the transition period. Hospital authorities have been directed to ensure smooth implementation and patient support across all government facilities.

The move is seen as part of a broader effort to bring transparency and efficiency into healthcare service delivery while ensuring financial traceability through DBT mechanisms.