IMA Warangal condemns Vijayashanti’s remarks on private hospital fees
In Short
IMA Warangal has strongly condemned MLC Vijayashanti’s remarks on private hospital fees, urging evidence-based discussions on healthcare practices while advocating transparent billing, ethical medical care, and stronger action against malpractice.
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IMA Warangal district president Dr P. Manmohan Raju
WARANGAL: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Warangal chapter has strongly condemned MLC Vijayashanti’s recent generalised comments on consultation fees and diagnostic test charges in private hospitals, saying it is wrong to brand all doctors and hospitals based on the actions of a few.
“Not all doctors should be clubbed together,” says IMA Warangal president
IMA Warangal district president Dr P. Manmohan Raju said that while isolated irregularities by some practitioners or hospitals must be addressed, attributing them to the entire medical fraternity is inappropriate. He stressed that such blanket statements, made without evidence, risk creating unnecessary suspicion among the public towards the healthcare system.
The association clarified that it fully supports government efforts to curb unnecessary tests, unwarranted treatments and inflated billing, but urged elected representatives to consult medical experts before making sweeping public remarks.
IMA explained that diagnostic tests are decided based on the patient’s health status, age, severity of illness and co-morbidities, and it is incorrect to assume every fever case requires the same set of investigations. Doctors prescribe tests based on clinical assessment, not arbitrarily.
Similarly, consultation fees vary according to the doctor’s qualification, experience, specialisation, location of the hospital and available facilities, the association noted.
IMA Warangal pointed out that small and medium private hospitals cannot be equated with large corporate chains. Regardless of patient footfall, these hospitals bear fixed expenses such as salaries for doctors and staff, building rent, EMIs for medical equipment, electricity charges, biomedical waste management and statutory fees.
However, the association emphasised that these realities should not be used as an excuse to impose undue financial burden on patients.
Call for transparent billing and strict action on proven malpractice
IMA advocated for transparent billing, prior information about required tests and treatments, and informed consent from patients. It demanded that if allegations of illegal billing or unnecessary treatment are substantiated with evidence, strict action should be taken against the concerned doctors or institutions.
At the same time, it reiterated that the lapses of a few should not be projected as representative of the entire medical community.
To ensure better access to quality care, IMA called for strengthening infrastructure, drug availability and diagnostic facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and urban health centres, including 24x7 services where needed.
It also urged authorities to take stringent action against unqualified practitioners running clinics without registration, and to educate the public about the risks of seeking treatment from such quacks.
For qualified doctors serving in rural areas, IMA suggested simplified regulations, low-interest loans and appropriate tax incentives as encouragement.
Dr Manmohan Raju appealed to legislators and public representatives to discuss healthcare issues with IMA and other medical experts before making public statements. He affirmed IMA’s commitment to patient welfare, ethical medical practices and ensuring accessible, quality healthcare for all.
