Reports have been pouring in on social media that the Covid-19 situation has shown the darkest side of India. Economic disparity cannot be ruled out and favoritism (though unintentional) cannot be missed either. A recent survey shows that more than 50percent of the nation is now getting worried about the exorbitant treatment charges that come with the virus, especially at private hospitals. Many who feel they can afford to go to private facilities have had to go because there is always a huge chance of contracting secondary infections from government-run facilities.

There is need for a centralized medical system where patients cannot be overcharged if they are to be treated for the Covid-19 disease. With the pandemic hitting a lot of people economically, there is a dearth of financial cover and lose currency to traverse through such tough times.

Conducted via a social media survey, the respondents to the tune of 40,000 answered some simple five questions. Further, the survey has also found out that 61 percent of respondents want the government to fix a price cap or standardize coronavirus treatment-related room charges in private hospitals.

While India has been a hub for state of the art medical treatment and facilities, stories about overcharging patients have not been new to anyone. Even if one is to visit government facilities, more than 16percent people felt that bad management and long waiting time exasperates a medical situation and can also lead to an unnecessary emergency. According to the survey, in Red Zones, especially the high virus load districts, many people expressed concern over limited capacity in private hospitals and long waiting time for admission in government facilities for COVID-19 treatment.

It is worth noting that private hospitals were not entertaining any kind of patients with fever when the outbreak started. It was only government hospitals that were handling infectious cases. But as the numbers of infection have shot up, the present medical infrastructure is not being able to keep things under control.

Additionally, unnecessary tests, lack of knowledge of COVID-19 treatment protocols and difficulty in getting admission were other major concerns expressed by 26 per cent of respondents. Private hospitals are not fully equipped in terms of medial knowhow and this is the strangest part. Many such facilities in smaller towns are continuing to overcharge customers, making economic woes even tougher for those who have been badly hit by the pandemic. The private hospitals seem to be encashing this as an opportunity, a mindset that needs to be checked and addressed.

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