Protest over lack of mechanism to avail Arogyasri

Malakpet: The parents and relatives of 18-year old girl resorted to protest at Yashoda Hospital, as they were unable to avail the benefits of Arogyashri scheme for the treatment.

• 18-yr-old Bhagya Laxmi got admitted at Yashoda Hospital for heart problems
• For starting immediate treatment the hospital asked parents to deposit Rs 1 lakh
• Despite having Arogyasri, parents deposit the said amount
• Later, the hospital demands more money for treatment
• The parents demand Arogyasri services

Bhagya Laxmi, a degree student from Devarakonda, was admitted to the hospital following heart problem about six days back. For ensuring immediate medical assistance the parents had to pay Rs 1 lakh, despite having Arogyashri. Being a farmer, her father was unable to pay the amount the hospital had further demanded for continuing her treatment.

He asked them to avail Arogyashri scheme. However, to the surprise of Bhagya Laxmi’s father he was told different reasons, including non-availability of service for heart problems on Arogyashri and the case being registered as a patient with cash payment. The doctors asked the family to ensure continued treatment with cash and allegedly stopped treatment for an hour.

Ironically after pleading with the doctors, the family was told to return after a week’s time to avail benefits under Arogyashri. Even as the condition of girl was deteriorating, unable to cope up with the situation the family later resorted to protest inside the hospital.