ADEH expressed anguish over news that a patient had to pay Rs.16 lakh for treatment of Dengue fever

Ludhiana, November 21, 2017: The Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare (ADEH) has expressed anguish over the news that a patient had to pay 16 lakh rupees to the Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon for the treatment of Dengue fever, that too when the child did not survive is a matter of shame for the nation. This is a pathetic situation and total failure of the healthcare delivery system in our country. In our country where 30% of the population lives below poverty line that is per capita earning of Rs.32/- in rural and Rs.47/- in urban areas and another 30% population is marginally above the poverty line, it is beyond comprehension that how these people can afford tertiary healthcare. No doubt we boast of a highly advanced medical care system but forget that the system of healthcare delivery which we have developed makes advanced healthcare unthinkable for vast majority of the population. Dr Arun Mitra – Member Core Committee of ADEH and Senior Vice President Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) and Dr G S Grewal - Member Core Committee of ADEH & Former President Punjab Medical Council in a statement have said that this incident has thoroughly exposed that the government has utterly failed to provide healthcare to the vast majority of our population. The central government spending on the health is mere 0.26% of the GDP. This needs to be increased to minimum of 5% to meet the basic health needs. The healthcare system has to be regulated. Drug prices should be brought down. This is because many high ups in the ruling circles are having hefty shares in the corporate hospitals and private medical colleges. It is high time medical profession as a whole rises up seriously on this issue.