Owing to shortage of doctors in Anaesthesia and Gynaecology departments at the District Headquarters Hospital, the district administration had decided to refer economically disadvantaged patients to private nursing homes in the district. But in reality, these nursing homes are overcharging the patients with complete disregard of the official guidelines.
Previously, it was decided by district Collector BB Patnaik in a meeting to pay Rs 4,500 and medicine cost to each patient for a delivery at the private nursing home. But these guidelines are not being adhered to in action.
For instance, recently a delivery patient named Chandini of Jharsuguda Railway Colony was referred to a private nursing home by the District Headquarters Hospital. She delivered a child in there but she was asked to pay Rs 15,000 for delivery and Rs 5,000 for medicine cost in direct violation of the guidelines. With no other option, the husband of the lady took a loan and paid bill.
Other patients have also alleged that they are being charged Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 each by the nursing homes, against which the district administration is compensating a mere Rs 4,500 only.
CDMO Damayanti Sahoo in a meeting with NGOs and social activists said that she had taken cognisance of the issue and would take appropriate action.