Govt, Apollo spar over dialysis centre

- Apollo Group accused of lending deaf ear to public demand
- Government Hospital was clinically attached to Apollo Group

Chittoor: Setting up of dialysis centre at Government Hospital in Chittoor has turned in to a major controversy, with the Apollo Group of Hospitals accused of lending a deaf ear to the public demand, since past one year.

It should be recalled that Apollo Hospitals has taken clinical attachment of the Government Hospital for 33 years.

Meanwhile, Minister for Health Kamineni Srinivas, who visited the Government Hospital last month, declared that the government would never compromise and stated that the management of Apollo Hospitals agreed to ensure super specialty services in the hospital. He instructed the resident medical officer to submit a report in this regard.

However, official spokesperson with Apollo Group made it v clear that there was no question of opening a dialysis centre at Government Hospital, as the government has opened a dialysis centre in SVIMS, Tirupati.

Apollo Group has taken over Government Hospital approximately 15 months ago and has opened a medical college at Chittoor. It has deployed its specialists and paramedical staff to Government Hospital in a big way and there has been excellent response from the patients to avail the services Sources said that there were number of patients suffering with kidney diseases in the region and keeping it in view the Health Minister stressed on the need for setting up dialysis centre.

“The management of Apollo Group are said to be least interested to concede the Minister’s directions,” they added.

Speaking to The Hans India Dr Pandu Ranga Rao superintendent of Government Hospital admitted that there was a dire need of opening a dialysis centre. He exuded confidence that Apollo management would take appropriate steps in the regard.

A deadlock

Will not compromise, Apollo Group agreed to ensure super specialty services
– Minister Kamineni Srinivas

There is no question of opening dialysis centre, as government opened a dialysis centre at SVIMS, Tirupati
– Apollo spokesperson