Resentment in Manipur over exorbitant fee charged by private hospitals

Rates fixed by State government not applicable to us, the managements say

Students, some elected members, civil society organisations and COVID-19 patients in Manipur have protested against the exorbitant fee being charged by the private hospitals. Some patients find it shocking as the bills come to ₹1,50,000 per day. It has come to light that most of the private hospitals in and around the Imphal city are forcing the patients to fork out huge bills ignoring the reasonable rates fixed by the State government last week. In the absence of specific order from the State government, the hospital managements are claiming that the rates are not applicable to them. The leaders of the Manipuri Students’ Federation said, “We demanded a uniform fee structure for the government and the private hospitals in the interests of the poor sections of the people. We appreciate the rates fixed by the government. Stern actions should be taken to save the poor. Some families feel that it is easier if their patients die since they cannot afford the treatment in the government hospitals and private as well.”