District Collector Cracks Whip: Hospitals Charging Patients Illegally to Face Action, Big Time!

NTR district collector has issued a stern warning to hospitals operating under the Dr NTR Vaidya Seva Trust Scheme, instructing them to refrain from levying unnecessary and illegal charges on patients. This move comes after numerous complaints were filed against several hospitals in the district for exploiting patients and charging exorbitant amounts for medical services and treatment.

The Dr NTR Vaidya Seva Trust Scheme, initiated by the state government, aims to provide cashless medical treatment to patients at various empaneled hospitals. Under this scheme, hospitals are reimbursed by the trust for the medical expenses incurred by patients. However, several hospitals were found to be taking advantage of this system and charging patients extra for various services and medications.

Following a series of inspections and investigations, the district collector warned hospitals that they would face severe action, including cancellation of empanelment under the scheme, if they were found to be levying unnecessary charges on patients. The collector has also directed hospitals to adhere to the rate chart approved by the trust and refrain from charging patients extra for medical services and treatment.

According to officials, several hospitals had resorted to unethical practices, including prescribing costly medications and subjecting patients to unnecessary medical tests. Such practices have put a significant financial burden on patients and their families, causing undue distress and concern. The district collector's warning is expected to bring about a much-needed change in the system and protect patients from exploitative practices.

The district collector has also advised patients and their families to lodge complaints if they were forced to pay unnecessary charges by hospitals. Patients can file their complaints with the district collectorate or contact the trust officials directly, who would subsequently take action against the erring hospitals. This move has been welcomed by patients and their families, who feel that it would help them get fair treatment at empaneled hospitals.

Meanwhile, the district collector has conducted meetings with hospital managements and trust officials to ensure that they adhere to the norms and regulations set forth by the trust. The collector has also directed hospital authorities to display the rate chart approved by the trust prominently at all times, making it easier for patients to keep track of the treatment costs and make informed decisions about their care.

The Dr NTR Vaidya Seva Trust Scheme is a pioneering initiative aimed at providing affordable healthcare to patients in need. By checking hospital irregularities and plugging system loopholes, the district collector hopes to prevent misuse of the scheme and deliver honest healthcare to the community.