PANAJI
In a major announcement, Goa government has said that it is all set to take over Covid admissions at 21 private hospitals in the state from Monday to prevent any further inconvenience to Covid patients.
The announcement was made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant after his office received several complaints about issues faced at private hospitals while seeking admission of Covid patients.
These range from refusal to admit Covid patients under the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana, selective admission, exorbitant bills and so on.
It may be recalled that CM Sawant had previously urged citizens to complain directly to his office if they faced any issues while seeking Covid admission at any of the 21 private hospitals listed in the notification dated April 30.
Through this notification, the state government had directed 27 premier private Goan hospitals with ICU facilities to dedicate 50 per cent of their bed capacity, 778 beds in total across the state, for admission and treatment of Covid-19 patients.
Addressing the media, CM Sawant said, “The government will take over Covid admissions at 21 private hospitals from Monday. The notification to this effect will be issued on Sunday. Our officer will sit at the admission counter. Private hospitals will continue to control the management.”
When quizzed about the reasons behind this sudden tightening of the noose around the private medical sector, CM Sawant explained that his office had received several complaints over the last 15 days that private hospitals charge exorbitant rates, refuse to give benefits under DDSSY and that several hospitals grant Covid admission selectively.
“They have not given 50 per cent beds as mandated for Covid treatment. Hence, we are taking full control over Covid admission,” he said.
Covid patients with DDSSY cards will be given 100 per cent free treatment at general wards and the government will pay the hospitals subject to rates capped for Covid treatment previously, it was informed.
When asked if the government will also support the private medical sector by providing crucial equipment and oxygen, which are in short supply, Health Secretary Ravi Dhawan clarified that all private hospitals already have their own oxygen suppliers, a setup that will continue. However, the government has shown willingness to provide support if any hospitals fall short of oxygen.
