COVID facility at Loni-Kalbhor shuts down over lack of finances

Vishwaraj Hospital was promised finances under a scheme that was suspended on June 1

A recent survey revealed that around 30 per cent of COVID-19 patients admitted to hospitals across Pune belong to peripheral villages since the availability of beds is low compared to the requirement. The incoming exodus, officials say, has added to the pressure of existing facilities. During such a time, Vishwaraj Hospital, designated for COVID treatment by district administration, has suspended services due to financial crunch.

The hospital from Loni-Kalbhor has 140 beds, intensive care units and other facilities. It was to cater to the populated fringe villages in the eastern part of Haveli taluka. However, the authorities reportedly failed to provide extension through the Dr Rakhmabai Raut financial aid scheme meant for COVID patients who are not covered by either a government insurance scheme or a private insurer.

The district health authority under Pune Zilla Parishad (ZP) pays the bills accumulated through corporate social responsibility (CSR), ZP cess and fund from district planning council (DPCC) etc. But, for three months, the authorities did not pay a single penny to the hospital, which was treating patients from the urbanised villages such as Loni-Kalbhor, Uruli Kanchan, Theur, Manjari, etc.

The health department of ZP had acquired the hospital on June 9 for COVID treatment exclusively. Over three months, over 1,000 patients were treated and yet, no aid was assured. The hospital administration on August 23 even sent a reminder about the dues, while stating that it would terminate the services. However, assurances of compensation rolled in quickly and remained so without fulfilment. The hospital then suspended services on Saturday.

On the condition of anonymity, one of the doctors from the hospital said, "The ZP failed to avail extension on the scheme from the state government. It was discontinued from June 1. The health authorities were instead given false assurances and forced to continue the facility. Finally, when the realisation (of the now-dysfunctional scheme) dawned, we informed them about the dues. The authorities subsequently expressed their inability to pay. With no option at hand, the facility halted operations."

Prashant Shirke, block development officer of Haveli, confirmed that the dues could not be paid under the Dr Raut scheme due to lack of finances. However, to avoid inconvenience, a new COVID centre is about to start soon at Loni-Kalbhor. "Additionally, MIT educational institute has also provided their space for the same," he said.

Sub-divisional officer (SDO) of Haveli, Sachin Barawkar, said, "Because some technical issues in extending the scheme, the hospital was closed. But we are planning with another centre with similar capacity."

Due to a spike in positive cases and lack of access to early treatment in the district, the mortality ratio is more. Ever since the social sphere has been unlocked almost completely, almost 150 cases a day are reported from rural parts.