Bangalore : The Karnataka government’s decision to reimburse Housing Minister MH Ambareesh’s medical bill of Rs.1.16 crore has created a storm in the state.

The minister recently claimed the money for medical treatment at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre in Singapore.

Ambareesh, who is considered a superstar in the Kannada industry, had suffered from pulmonary edema when he was admitted to Vikram Hospital in Bangalore. Later, he was shifted to Singapore.

According to the Medical Attendance Rule of 1958, ministers have to take medical treatment within the country, if the required facilities are available.

The maximum reimbursement in such cases is usually Rs.5 lakh and they may be allowed treatment abroad in special cases.

Ambareesh’s family took him to Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore for his treatment.

The medical expenses include the airfare for Ambareesh, his family and his doctors.

When asked whether Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had acted within rules, he stated that ‘special cases’ could be an exception to the rule.