Pune: Doctors association accuses government of taking decisions benefiting only corporate hospitals in Mumbai

Pune: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has slammed the state government saying that it is taking decisions which would be beneficial only for the corporate hospitals in Mumbai, while the small hospitals in other parts of the state are not even considered when taking policy decisions.

Dr Avinash Bhondwe, President, Maharashtra Chapter of IMA and Dr Pankaj Bandarkar, Honorary Secretary, Maharashtra Chapter of IMA said, “The health secretary for state has unilaterally issued an order about new hospital rates, without any discussion with the IMA.”

The government has given a relaxation of up to 50 per cent to the benefit of corporate hospitals in Mumbai. At the same time, both non-Covid and Covid-19 patients are treated in corporate hospitals. Small and medium hospitals do not have permission for such separation of facilities. That is why it is clear that the relaxation of up to 50 per cent beds for non-covid patients in Mumbai hospitals is only for the convenience of corporate hospitals, he said.

The government had earlier agreed to hold a separate meeting on the issue of fixing hospital rates. Unfortunately, it has unilaterally announced hospital rates without any discussion with the IMA. It is impossible for private hospitals to comply with these rates. It also clarified that private hospitals would not be able to survive if they work according to these rates.

PPE, MASK PRICES STILL UNREGULATED

The rates of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), masks must be regulated. This regulation has remained only on paper. The prices of PPE and masks in the market are still unregulated. However, restrictions are being imposed on hospitals without regulating these rates. The IMA has raised questions about hospitals required to spend heavily on these kits.

APPEAL FOR AN EMERGENCY MEETING

The state branch of IMA has appealed to the state government to convene an emergency meeting in the next two days to discuss these important issues. We reject the unilateral decisions of the government. If such unilateral, impractical decisions are forced on hospitals, IMA will consider what steps should be taken next in consultation with the member doctors.