Uproar over Ayushman Bharat health schemes in city

Uproar over Ayushman Bharat health schemes in city

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 30, 2019: Zilla Panchayat members cutting across party lines lashed out at the poor implementation of Ayushman Bharat scheme by the Wenlock District Hospital.

At the general meeting, members charged that the Hospital had not implemented the scheme properly.

Mamata Gatty said that, as per the scheme, a patient with specified illness can be referred to private hospitals with a tie-up with the district hospital, by producing a reference letter issued by the government hospital authorities.

With the help of the scheme, the patients can avail concession on the treatment at private hospitals. But, the government hospital staff is not providing proper information to the patients on the scheme and are not issuing reference letters to the private hospitals. Even if the letter is issued, the private hospitals deny to admit patients under the scheme stating that the scheme is not acceptable at their hospital.

The minister also expressed his disappointment at the absence of Superintendent Dr H R Rajeshwari Devi of Wenlock District Hospital.

“The officials should not take the ZP meeting lightly”, he said and summoned the district surgeon to the meet. Dr Rajeshwari Devi said that only the 1,650 identified procedures are covered under the scheme. Also, the scheme can be utilised only at the empaneled hospitals.

ZP member Tungappa Bangera pointed out that there is a shortage of doctors at the Wenlock District Hospital.

Minister U T Khader said that a district committee comprising ZP members and hospital authorities will be formed to look into such matters. He assured of conducting a meeting with the government hospital authorities, private hospital management and zilla panchayat members to solve the issue.   He said that the Arogya Mitra staff should guide the patients on the benefits and rules and regulations of Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Some members urged to continue Vajpayee Arogyashree scheme as the Ayushman Bharat scheme has several loopholes.  Members urged that the taluk offices in the new taluks of the district should be set up at places which are convenient for the people to visit. Tungappa said that the revenue adalats are not conducted properly. Janasamparka meetings should be conducted once in 15 days.

Member Pushpavathi said that there is a shortage of medical staff at Shirthadi Health Centre. Khader assured of addressing the issue.

The members requested Khader to provide funds for the maintenance of dilapidated school buildings. He said that Rs 6 crore has been provided to MLAs for the repair of school buildings damaged by rains last year.

Member Sucharitha Shetty said that the rivulets are filled with silt and there is a need to carry out desilting. But, the officials are not allowing to do the desilting work. In fact, desilting is necessary to increase ground water level.

Noting the absence of Mines and Geology Department officer, Khader directed the CEO to issue a notice to the official.

Member Dhanalakshmi requested to implement permanent measures to stop sea erosion. Khader said that works at a cost of Rs 120 crore is being carried out under ADB funds, in Someshwar, Talapady and Ullal.  The new entrance arch of the ZP was inaugurated.