Dengue Treatment: Government Warns Private Hospitals Against Overcharging Patients

The Tamil Nadu Public Health Department has said that people can lodge complaints if private hospitals are found charging excessive fees for dengue treatment.

Dengue cases have been increasing in Tamil Nadu amid seasonal changes. More than 16,500 people have reportedly been affected by dengue so far this year, with nine deaths reported. Following this, the government has intensified dengue prevention and control measures and established dedicated fever wards at government hospitals.

Meanwhile, there have been allegations that some private hospitals are charging higher-than-usual fees for dengue treatment. It has been alleged that patients are being charged between ₹22,000 and ₹75,000 per day for treatment in general wards, while intensive care treatment may cost up to ₹2 lakh per day.

The Public Health Department has said that complaints can be filed against private hospitals if they are found to be collecting excessive charges.

Government Hospitals Have Dedicated Fever Wards

Health officials said dedicated wards have been established at government hospitals to monitor patients with fever and provide the required medical care. Patients arriving with fever are assessed based on their health condition and provided treatment according to the severity of their illness.

Officials also said that government hospitals currently have sufficient bed capacity to treat patients with fever.

The department will investigate complaints regarding private hospitals charging excessive fees. If the charges are found to be significantly different from the usual rates, legal action may be taken. Depending on the circumstances, restrictions may also be imposed on the hospital`s permission to provide fever treatment.

People who find that a private hospital is charging excessive fees for dengue treatment can lodge a complaint by calling 104.

The health department has also advised people to identify and remove items around their homes and surroundings where rainwater or clean water can collect, as these can contribute to mosquito breeding.