Panel to see poor don't suffer due to AIIMS user charges

New Delhi, Feb 24 (UNI) Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss today said that a committee has been constituted to ensure smooth implementation of user charges at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences so that patients do not face any hindrance.

Denying thatthe implementation of user charges were causing a lot of hardship to poor patients, Dr Ramadoss claimed that under the rationalisation of charges provisions have been made to ensure that below poverty line patients and other poor people and those who say they can't afford the treatment cost are given free treatment.

He said if poor patients did not have any documentary proof of BPL, they could get free treatment on recommendation of MPs, MLAs or faculty members of AIIMS.

He said basic blood, urine and stool tests are provided free of cost for all patients -- whether rich or poor.

He said hospital services are being expanded and streamlined so that accident victims receive proper treatment.

In another reply, he said the process of constitution of six AIIMS-like ''Institutes in six different states and upgradation of existing hospitals in some other states were underway. It was in the final stages and would soon be put up before the cabinet. Once cleared, the process of setting up these institutions would be taken up, he added.

UNI AJ LR SSC1241