Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 31: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today accused private hospitals in the Kashmir valley for charging exorbitant rates that are unaffordable to patients.
President Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan today in a statement said the escalating cost of health care in private sector has severely restricted patients’ access to health which is against their inalienable right.
“The huge rates of private hospitals are in violation to rates fixed by Department of Health. It is shocking to know that private hospitals charge Rs 30,000 for cesarean as against fixed rate of Rs 12,000. For simple surgeries like cataract some private establishments are charging Rs 30,000 as against fixed rate of Rs 9000,” DAK said.
Dr Hassan said that private hospitals have transformed health care into a profit mongering company placing the well being of patients in serious jeopardy and undermining the trust so essential to the Doctor-patient relationship.
“It is unfortunate that private hospitals for economic gains are involved in unethical medical practices of unwanted surgeries and procedures,” he said, adding, private players must understand that the prime object of medical profession is to render service to humanity and financial gain is a subordinate consideration.
He said it was the inadequate legislation and failure to enforce regulations that are responsible for huge rates and unethical practices in private establishments.
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