Violation of NHM’s JSSK scheme: Pregnant ladies being charged for tests at MCCH Anantnag
Patients demand action, GMC Principal Ang says those involved will be dealt with strictly
5 Dariya News
Srinagar 01-Nov-2019
Even as the government has directed for free tests for pregnant ladies under National Health Mission’s Janani Shushu Suraksha Kriyakaram (JSSK) scheme, the authorities at Maternity Child Care Hospital (MCCH) Anantnag are charging money to the patients from last one month, thus putting puncturing the claims of the government.Sources told the wire service –Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the pregnant ladies are being asked to pay amount for different tests including, blood test, urine test, USG and others.Such a situation is being witnessed in MCCH amid complete shutdown being observed by the people across Kashmir and maximum of the diagnostic centres remain shut.They said the patients are being asked to pay Rs 150 each for USG and are charging money at will for other tests. “The tests are supposed to be conducted free according to the guidelines set by the government under NHM,” they said.Some of the patients while talking to KNO said that these examinations were being conducted free earlier as the government under JKSS scheme has directed for free tests to the pregnant ladies in any of the hospital.However, they said that it is unfortunate that the officials in MCCH are minting money from the people, adding that strict action must be taken against the officials involved in the act.They said concerned higher ups must intervene into the issue so that people here could heave a sigh of relief.Meanwhile, Principal Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, Showkat Jeelani said that they have already received such complaints from the patients in recent past. “We will look into the matter and all those involved in charging money to the patients for the tests that are supposed to be done for free will be dealt with strictly as per the law,” he said.He assured that the genuine grievances of patients visiting the hospitals affiliated with GMC will be redressed at an earliest. (KNO)