Viral fevers fetch money for private hospitals in Tirupati

Tirupati: A patient admitted with viral fever at a private hospital in the city recently was charged Rs.12,000 for a day after doctors used powerful antibiotics in the treatment process. Unable to bear the burden, the patient asked for discharge to go to another hospital.

A team of doctors have reportedly surrounded him and tried to frighten him that his case was very critical and he could not be moved. He managed to get discharged and rushed to CMC hospital in Vellore where with less than Rs.100 his temperature became normal and he was alright.

This is only one example and many patients have been experiencing similar situation in recent days. Several private hospitals have been minting money out of seasonal diseases like viral fevers and dengue.

There were complaints that these hospitals are charging huge amounts for various medical tests and using antibiotics indiscriminately. The problem was more at clinics run by RMPs.

A doctor observed that the problem lies with the patients also as they first approach RMP doctors nearby their places. They start with antibiotics and administer fluids. After three days, they approach reputed nursing homes or Ruia hospital or SVIMS.

On the other hand, Health Minister Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas during his visit to Tirupati recently, made it clear that no private hospital should declare dengue positive. But it was not being properly monitored by the district medical and health department.

On the other hand, in Ruia hospital the results are getting delayed. At the Virology laboratory in Ruia hospital, several tests are being done free of cost as it was funded by central government. But, they are insisting for referral letters and some other procedures to be followed.

Dr T Muneeswar Reddy of Department of General Medicine in Ruia Hospital said that viral epidemic is on rise in the district. Speaking to The Hans India, he revealed that in Ruia hospital itself the number of fever cases have increased four to five times now and at times crossing the number of beds available in General Medicine department. But, there were no complicated cases which lead to death so far.