PHC doc accused of collecting fee for operations

Kurnool: People are alleging Dr Tirupalaiah, who is working at Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Kovelakuntla, is collecting fees through a mediator for performing surgeries. He is charging the fees depending upon the gravity of the disease. Being a government appointed doctor, Tirupalaiah has to render free of cost service to the patients, besides, he should be available to the patients at the time when there is need.

The PHC caters to the needs of Sanjamala, Uyyalavada, Dorinipadu and Kovelakuntla villages. The women of these villages visit the PHC for family planning operations. Around 90 per cent people from 4 villages fall under below poverty line. Unable to afford the huge amounts being charged by the private and corporate hospitals, majority women are depending on PHC for the family planning operations, stated a source.

Taking the advantage of the people's innocence, Tirupalaiah is said to be charging Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 for each family planning operation. As there is no other hospital except PHC, the family members of the patients are forced to pay the demanded amount. He is known to have engaged one Idayatullah of Sanjamala to collect the amount from the patients. In a month, Tirupalaiah performes around 15 to 20 family operations, added a source.

A patient's father, Rahamatullah speaking to The Hans India said that he has taken his daughter to Dr Tirupalaiah. After medical check-up, he said that the wound is still wet and need some time for performing family planning operation.

After prescribing some medicines, he advised them to come after two days. "As advised, we went after two days, he asked us to pay Rs 15,000 for performing the operation," said Rahamatullah.

On questioning as to why the amount is being charged, he said that is towards the cost of medicines. "When I denied, he sent Idayatullah to my house and bargained it for Rs 10,000.

Unable to pay the amount being demanded by the PHC doctor, several patients are visiting government hospitals at Nandyal and Allagadda," he mentioned. Another person alleged that when a woman gynaecology doctor is present, Tirupalaiah is performing the family planning operations.

Even the staff of PHC are opposing the doctor performing family planning operation to women patients. He also alleged that Tirupalaiah is charging Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 for conducting post-mortem.

Though higher officials are aware of the corruption, but no action is being initiated, he said. When The Hans India tried to contact Tirupalaiah, he did not respond to the call.