Demonetisation has hit healthcare sector the most in India. While the medical tourism stands out to be the most hit area, private hospitals said there has been a drastic decrease in cash payments. However, the private hospitals which cater mainly to the middle class and upper middle class have seen a rise in the online payments through credit and debit cards.
“Our average collection in cash per day was Rs1.20 crore till November 8. The day demonetisation was introduced, it dropped drastically to Rs25 to 30 lakh in new currency...We have tried our best to not hamper the healthcare but the patients and staff are suffering in the long queues,” said Dr DS Rana, Chairman Board of Management at Sri Ganga Ram Hospital.
However, he said there has been an increase in the payments through debit and credit cards. According to an NSSO survey, despite the staggering costs, around 70 per cent of the Indian population is dependent on the private healthcare in India.
Senior consultant Gynaecologist and Obstrician at Nurture IVF Centre, Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj said there has been a "tremendous affect" of the demonetisation in healthcare services. While Dr Bajaj said she has been taking up the “emergencies”, many surgical procedures relating to IVF which is a booming area in healthcare here have been delayed.