- Corona Deaths and Corruption
- A Shocking Scandal in Telangana
Article Today, Hyderabad:
The corona virus pandemic had brought the world to a standstill, and Telangana was no exception. While the state struggled to cope with the crisis, some private corporate hospitals saw an opportunity to profiteer from the misery of others. A shocking scandal has come to light, revealing how these hospitals, in collusion with government health officials, fleeced patients and their families of hundreds of crores of rupees.
Hospitals Charged Exorbitant Fees…
During the pandemic, several private hospitals in Telangana charged exorbitant fees, running into lakhs of rupees, for treating Covid-19 patients. Despite numerous complaints to the Public Health Department, little was done to stop these hospitals from indulging in such practices. In fact, some officials seem to have been in cahoots with the hospital owners, allowing them to get away with murder. One hospital in particular is alleged to have collected over Rs. 3 crores from patients without batting an eyelid. Another hospital, located in the heart of Hyderabad, charged a maximum of Rs. 20 lakhs per patient and refused to hand over the bodies of deceased patients to their families without payment.
Officials Colluded with Hospital Owners
The Public Health Department received several complaints about these hospitals, but action was scarce. It is alleged that some officials in the department colluded with hospital owners to siphon off funds meant for patients.
According to estimates, over Rs. 450 crores were collected by these hospitals during the pandemic, with officials taking a significant cut. This has led to widespread criticism that the officials were more interested in lining their pockets than in serving the people.
Fake Doctors Allowed to Practice…
The scandal doesn’t end there. Fake doctors were allowed to practice medicine during the pandemic, and some hospitals were granted licenses despite not meeting the necessary qualifications. District medical officers are accused of issuing licenses in exchange for bribes, further compromising patient care. This has raised serious questions about the integrity of the healthcare system in Telangana.
Vigilance Inquiry Underway…
Vigilance officials have taken notice of these allegations and are investigating the matter. The role of the then- public health director, Dr. Gadala Srinivasa Rao, has come under scrutiny, with allegations of negligence and corruption. It remains to be seen whether those responsible will be brought to book.
Conclusion
The scandal highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the healthcare sector, particularly during times of crisis. The people of Telangana deserve better than to be fleeced by greedy hospitals and corrupt officials.
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Story on ‘Politics with Corona… Looting in the Guise of Service’ In Tomorrow’s Edition
