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| Edited By: Kanchan Srivastava |Source: DNA |Updated: Dec 30, 2015, 07:45 AM IST
What is the rationale behind increasing the fee for treatment at government hospitals?
It was inevitable. The fee was fixed in 2001, the government had been working with it for the last 14 years. It was becoming a great burden on public health care infrastructure. We don't have any provisions in the budget for maintenance of the medical equipment, an issue for many years now. Several machines are lying defunct after expiry of their warranty period. We also wish to upgrade the hospitals with modern technology. Moreover, we are now at par with the hospitals attached with the medical colleges for which charges were revised in 2010 by the Directorate of Medical Education and Research.
Don't you think this hike will put additional burden on people who are dependent on the public health care system?
No, I don't think so. Firstly, the people below poverty line (BPL) are already exempted from hospital fees. BPL constitutes 2.5 crore out of the 4.5 crore citizens who access the public health care system in the state. Besides, we have 13 more categories, including pregnant women, senior citizens and those affected from sickle cell anaemia, who are also exempted. Also, the hike is not applicable to primary health care centres. It would be effective in sub-district (rural hospital) and district hospitals. Thirdly, despite the hike, our fee for all treatments and diagnostic procedures is much less compared to what the private sector charges.
The move has also raised ambulance charges. How do you justify that?
Calling 108 for ambulance is still free. Charges have been upped only for 102 for ambulances.
With the hike in fees, people expect better facilities. Will government hospitals be able to meet those expectations in the future?
We are working on improving facilities. Hospitals need to be upgraded with modern technology. With the help of NGOs and temple trusts, we have set up over 100 dialysis centres in 34 districts. We wish to set up dialysis centres in every taluka now and are also working towards making CT scan available at every district hospital.
