Collector inspects KGH, gets complaints from patients of staff demanding money for treatment

A day after controversy erupted over the alleged delay in allotting an ambulance to a tribal family to shift a deceased person from King George Hospital (KGH), the hospital has once again come under sharp criticism following allegations that hospital staff demanded money from patients for providing treatment. The issue came to light after District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad conducted a surprise inspection of the hospital and ordered a probe into the incident.

During his visit, the Collector inspected several key departments, including the Emergency Department, Burns Ward, Plastic Surgery Department, and other sections of the hospital. He personally enquired with patients and their relatives about the quality of medical services being provided and whether they were facing any difficulties. According to the Collector, some patient attendants informed him that money was being demanded by certain staff members for providing treatment.

Taking serious note of the allegations, the Collector directed the KGH Superintendent to conduct a probe into the matter. He warned that strict action would be initiated against any staff member found guilty of demanding money from patients. Emphasising that such practices would not be tolerated under any circumstances, he advised the family members of the patients not to pay any amount to hospital staff and to immediately report any such demands to the authorities concerned.

The Collector also instructed hospital officials to prominently display boards clearly stating that treatment at KGH is provided free of cost and that patients should not pay money to anyone for medical services.

KGH Superintendent I. Vani, Administrative Officer B.V. Ramana, heads of various departments, and other senior officials were present during the inspection.