New Delhi: A few days after a 7-year-old dengue patient died after being denied admission in top hospitals, a high court panel report exposed how beds meant for economically weaker sections (EWS) have been converted into paid beds at a Max Super Speciality Hospital.
Despite a check on the hospital by the High Court appointed committee just three days ago, several beds which are supposed to be vacant were revealed to be reserved for paid patients. The move strictly goes against policy that the hospital is obligated to leave a certain number of beds free for poor patients.
An official said, "It is a gross discrimination. Beds have been given to paid patients and there is a discriminatory treatment at the place of registration. Public board says EWS beds full and another says only 7 EWS patients. It is breach of contract of land given to the people and utter violation of the High Court order."
Over the last week, 613 fresh dengue cases have been reported, forcing the Delhi government to cancel leave of doctors, open 'Fever Clinics' to treat those hit, and launch a 24X7 helpline to deal with the situation.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda reviewed the situation and directed the Delhi government to increase bed strength in its hospitals and check overcharging of patients by private hospitals. He said the number of beds in central government run hospitals in Delhi is being increased.
According to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, five patients have so far succumbed to complications arising from the vector-borne disease.
The total number of cases between January 1 and September 12 now stands at 1,872, which is highest for the period in the last five years. Though MCD said five people have died of dengue this year, the figures given by various hospitals put the toll at nine.
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