Action against Covid private hospitals if they overcharge: CM

Bhubaneswar: Amid the raging Covid positive cases, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today directed officials to take action against private hospitals providing treatment to Covid patients if they overcharge.

During a meeting on Covid management through video conference today Patnaik asked the officials to ensure the private hospitals take fee from Covid patients as per the rate chart fixed by the State government. In case the private hospitals do not adhere to the directive, the officials can take action against the institutions, he added.

Emphasising on fire safety arrangements and medical oxygen supply at the District-level Covid care centre, the Chief Minister stated the officials should monitor the arrangement round-the-clock.

Also, he asked the officials to intensify testing, tracing and containment in the worst-affected areas.

Take feedback from Doctors engaged in ICU and HDU charges and act accordingly, the Chief Minister told the officials.

He also said helpline of Covid hospitals should be activated and family members of the patients must be updated about the patient conditions.

The officials must take the advantage of the CMRF to help underprivileged afflicted with the Covid disease.

He also directed the officials to collect data on possible third wave and be rady to face any eventuality.

Among others, Chief Secretary SC Mahapatra, Additional Chief Secretary of Health department PK Mohapatra, DGP Abhay, 5T Secretary VK Pandian and senior officials were present in the meeting.