Privatisation of medical services fails to provide relief to patients

In a first-of-its-kind move, the state government privatised medical services and handed over the management and operations of Chittoor govt hospital to Apollo Hospitals management for a lease period of 33 years in May, 2016.

Following the move, it was expected that 500-bed hospital would take new shape in the form of appointing new doctors and setting up of new medical departments. Sadly, that was not the case as there was no quantitative and qualitative change in medical treatment and other facilities at the hospital. Patients are struggling with usual delay of medical aid and many are waiting for treatment with OP slips under the trees.

While IMA authorities and DMHO officials are labelling the privatisation of medical services as a move to provide better care, patients and Red Cross society members are decrying the move saying it failed to bring in any changes. The Hans India presents views of relevant stakeholders on the issue.

By K Nethaji