Team Herald
MARGAO: The Herald investigation into the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY) patient transfer has led to more patients now claiming of having faced similar situations at Hospicio Hospital, Margao.
Some medical representatives in constant touch with Hospicio and other hospitals also claimed the existence of a nexus that transfers patients from Hospicio to private hospitals. Many patients and relatives who Herald contacted, however, refused to come on record worried of harrassment.
Hospicio Medical Superintendent Dr Ira Almeida, however, refuted the allegations and said, “If I get details of the patients diverted to a private hospital by our doctor, I assure that I will investigate the case.”
Giving details Almeida said, “Under the STEMI project a patient once diagnosed to have a heart attack is thrombolised at Hospicio and then transfered to Victor hospital by cardiac ambulance for further intervention as per government directives only if they have a DDSY card and in view of overload at GMC Cardiac unit and waiting time there. All other patients are directly refered to GMC”.
She added, “The issue is that angiography coupled with angioplasty or bypass is covered under DDSY but not if only angiography is done. So if the angiography is normal and no further intervention is required then the patient is asked to pay as it is not covered under the scheme.”
Many people, however, approached Herald after the news report appeared and narrated their experiences. Sanjay Dessai said, “This is going on for years. In 1992 when I meet with an accident and I had a hand fracture, the doctor from Hospicio instructed me to come to his private clinic for treatment and I had no option but to go to his private clinic.”
Vivek Naik from Margao said, “Just imagine, how common people are taken for a ride by the authorities acting like extortionists. Although common people remain silent when they are going through a difficult time when their loved ones are sick and these highly-paid professionals are taking undue advantage of their tough situation.”
Yet another reader said, “A doctor who left the govt hospital, informed of such harassment against them if patients are not referred to private hospitals.”
Sources alleged that staff members who don’t cooperate face harassment by seniors, and some have even quit services. Medical staff too expressed worry over the expose.
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Objective is to save lives: Health Minister
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane in a statement on the Herald report said, “With regard to the article on DDSSY transfers published in Herald, I would like to clarify that early intervention and care is of utmost importance in any cardiac case. Also, having signed an MoU with us, Victor Hospitals and Healthway are a part of the STEMI Goa project.”
He added, “Our objective has always been to save lives in a transparent manner and we have successfully done the same. We have saved more than 350 lives so far and any hospital willing to join us in this endeavor is most welcome. I would like to reiterate that we are here to serve our people and will continue to do so with all our will and might.”
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CASE STUDY
On August 7, a female cardiac patient was taken to Hospicio. The patient was admitted and reports suggested further treatment. Hospicio medial staff inquired whether the patient was insured under DDSSY. The patient was insured and so was Hospicio suggested that she be shifted to a private hospital. The relative accompanying the patient insisted on taking her to GMC. The relative told Herald that while the he was out the patient was transferred to a private hosital while the daughter of the patient was assisting. The relative was asked to pay Rs 25,000 on arrival at the private hospital. The relative argued and refused to admit the patient there and then took the patient to GMC the same night.
