Ayushman Bharat cards ‘dishonored’ by some hospitals
Dimapur, September 16 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on Wednesday appealed for resumption of health services in government hospitals.
Stating that the declaration of government hospitals as COVID-19 hospitals has deprived the people of free medical services, the NPCC said that it is not possible for all poor people to afford private hospitals.
“The state as well as Central Governments is spending huge funds to give free medical care. We thank the health services for rendering free services. They should be allowed to continue such services,” it said.
“10 COVID patients were reported to have died but other patients are dying on a daily basis,” the NPCC stated.
The situation is worsening with other ailments much more than COVID-19 because of delay in prevention and treatment, it claimed.
The NPCC opined that the entire government hospitals need not be used for COVID-19 patients and suggested isolation wards for them, as is in the case of TB.
It also said that charges on medicines, surgery and other health services should be controlled by the government.
Further, the NPCC alleged that Ayushman Bharat cards are dishonored by some hospitals with complaint for non-payment.
The agreement or agreed guidelines between the government and the empanelled hospitals should be made public, so that patients know their rights, it said.
“If any empanelled hospital(s) are violating or not doing justice to the patients, they should be removed from empanelment,” it added.
It also added that the patients should not remain silent, but should report to Ayushman Bharat Centre for necessary action.
