Franchisees rendering NTR health scheme ineffective

- Giving a tough time to both doctors and patients, failing to submit reports days after collecting samples
- Some franchisees lack modern machinery and qualified lab technicians
- Patients complain they have to make rounds for several days for securing reports. They are unhappy that often reports are incorrect

Srikakulam: The NTR Health Pariksha Scheme being implemented by Medwell in 32 PHCs, eight social health centres and three area hospitals across the State to provide results of medical tests faster than private labs—which was expected to be a boon to patients in rural areas—appears to be a source to make money for a few. It is causing hardship to beneficiaries as often a different cure for an ailment is being offered, as revealed in a special story by The Hans India.

The scheme enables a patient to avail of tests for determining 64 diseases by paying Rs 2,500 after producing the Aadhaar card. A technician at the centre collects a sample based on the prescription given by the doctor, who examines the patient, and sends it to medical labs. Reports of tests of ailments like thyroid and biopsy usually take one or two days. Once the report is received it will be sent to the hospital concerned.

Medwell has given the contract to some private persons in some areas as franchisees, who are giving tough time to both doctors and patients, failing to submit reports days after collecting the samples. This is rendering the scheme useless, as the very objective of the government for introducing the scheme has been defeated.

Some franchisees lack modern machinery and qualified lab technicians. Patients complain that they have to approach the franchisees for several days for securing the reports. They are unhappy that often the reports are incorrect.

In Tekkali, Dharmana Krishnadas’s son has taken the franchise and handed it over to one Sudhakar who also runs one in Palasa. Since last two months, the reports are being prepared by him are mostly incorrect, as the tests are not being conducted correctly. As a result, the doctors are a worried lot as none bothers about their complaints, even those submitted to the District Collector. Many patients with both kidneys damaged have expressed dissatisfaction over delay in securing the test reports. They expressed anguish that they have to face hardship due to delay.

Jagadish, in-charge of laboratory in government hospital, told The Hans India that persons like Sudhakar, who have taken sub-contracts, are allegedly resorting to irregularities by reaching agreements with doctors for conducting more tests than required. Some are allegedly generating fake reports using the services of a few technicians, as revealed by the staffers themselves.

They alleged that Sudhakar has been harassing them and not paying salaries on time. “He is sending out those who demand salary. Most of the time he is not following regulations with assertion that none can take action against him.” His own staff, like Shyam alleges that Sudhakar is openly threatening some doctors and technicians.

When asked for his reaction, Sudhakar told The Hans India that he was working sincerely, but some persons were resorting to such propaganda out of jealousy. He had no reply when informed that the doctors term the franchise reports faulty.

It is clear that the franchise is benefitting persons like Sudhakar and leaving the patients in tears. They want the government to take action against such persons.

M A Raju