People should be encouraged to donate to govt hospitals: Docs

J Abbas Mulla
Hubballi: Covid-19 pandemic has brought to fore the lacuna in the healthcare infrastructure in the country and highlighted the need to strengthen government hospitals to handle such emergencies more efficiently. In view of this, some senior doctors in Hubballi have started a campaign to urge the government to encourage private donors to donate to state-run hospitals and declare tax rebates on such donations.
The campaign spearheaded by Dr GB Sattur, past chairman of the Karnataka Chapter of Association of Physicians of India, has demanded an ethical non-governmental body to be set up by the PMO involving people like business tycoons Ratan Tata and Azim Premji and spiritual leaders like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, to verify the amount spent on healthcare by the government.
Speaking to TOI Dr Sattur said, “The pandemic has shown us that a lot needs to be changed in our country with respect to healthcare. Firstly, we have to upgrade the government hospitals. We must stop politicizing everything and give a serious thought to revamping the medical infrastructure in India. It is high time the state and central governments prioritized healthcare sector.”
Dr Kothiwale VA, chairman, Association of Physicians, Karnataka Chapter, said the Covid-19 pandemic crisis is a reminder of the importance of investing in the healthcare sector. India’s economy needs big dose of health spending. At 1.5% of GDP, the country’s public expenditure on health continues to remain one of the lowest globally. This should be increased to a minimum of 3%. “Public participation is also very important. Private companies, philanthropists and the public should come forwards and join hands with the government to strengthen the healthcare system from the grassroots,” he added.
Ravi Keerthy M, governing body member, Association of Physicians of India, Bengaluru, said, “We have circulated the message among WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms. People donate huge amounts to places of worship. Even if 50% of that amount is given to the health sector, government hospitals can be upgraded to combat any kind of situation. The government should constitute committees involving NGOs and others to keep watch on the usage of the funds so collected,” he added.
The doctors have decided to continue this drive till the government frames the law and announces tax exemption on donations to hospitals.