The withdrawal by the Goa govt of the Covid-19 package treatment scheme in private hospitals covered by the Deen Dayal Swastiya Seva Yojna (DDSSY), is both unfortunate and a big blow to the middle class who can ill-afford the exorbitant charges at private hospitals, even after the capping of rates.
In the first place, the decision to have 2 separate rates under DDSSY for mild and severe cases of Covid infection was a flawed one. Mild cases do not require hospitalization, as they can be treated with home isolation. It is only the severe cases that require hospitalization.
Secondly, under the dual system of charging patients there is bound to be confusion at the time of admission, and in all likelihood it will be the higher rate that will be applicable to the patient, going by the prevailing culture in private hospitals.
It is therefore necessary to have only a single rate for the 14-day package under DDSSY, which should be affordable and without additional charges.
AF NAZARETH, Alto Porvorim
