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Denied free dialysis, hundreds of patients protest outside hospital


Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, July 02, 2015, DHNS:  Hundreds of patients protested in front of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation Hospital, Rajajinagar, on Wednesday, after they were denied free dialysis.

protest_The Union government, in February this year, framed a new set of rules which restricted free treatment to patients with pre-existing ailments such as cancer and renal failure. However, if the person suffered from these ailments after availing the ESI card, he or she is entitled to treatment at ESI hospitals.

The protesters said they were denied subsidy and asked to pay each time.

Woes poured out

Vinod, whose father is on dialysis for over a year now, was among the protesters. Speaking with Deccan Herald, he said, “My salary is just Rs 6,000. Getting dialysis done twice a week means shelling out Rs 4,000. People like us can’t afford it.”

He said most patients were not aware of the new rules and were left helpless now. “From November last year, my father has been getting dialysis done here. Now, we do not know where to go,” he said.

Padma, 43, a kidney patient, has been on dialysis for nearly three years now. Her son Mohan Raj said, “I have an ESI insurance. But now, the hospital says the service cannot be continued. The new rules are unjust.”

The protesters, however, were later assured by doctors that they could avail the facility till July-end. Dr Rachita Biswas, medical superintendent, ESIC Rajajinagar, said the hospital was only implementing the rules. “I understand that the patients have been affected. I shall be shortly writing to senior authorities on how the new circular has disrupted treatment to the needy patients,” she said.


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