CM Naidu calls for urgent measures to reduce medical costs

Guntur – Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has strongly emphasized the need to reduce medical costs, stating that excessive hospital charges are pushing poor families into severe financial distress. Highlighting the plight of patients who are being burdened with unnecessary hospital stays and inflated room bills, the Chief Minister called for immediate corrective measures to ensure patient- and poor-centric healthcare.

Hospitals draining patients’ pockets

Healthcare costs in Andhra Pradesh have skyrocketed, making even basic treatment unaffordable for weaker sections of society. Many private hospitals are reportedly charging exorbitant fees, forcing families to sell assets or take high-interest loans to cover medical expenses. Cases of unnecessary tests, prolonged hospital stays, and inflated room charges have become common complaints among patients, especially in urban areas.

Real-time monitoring to curb exploitation

CM Naidu stressed the need for a real-time monitoring system to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and excessive billing. He suggested that only patients with genuine medical needs should be admitted, and those requiring only outpatient care should not be forced into costly hospital stays. “While hospital development is important, doctors must also prioritize community service,” he said, urging medical professionals to act ethically and put patient welfare above profit motives.

Weaker sections struggling for basic healthcare

Reports indicate that government hospitals, which are supposed to be a refuge for the underprivileged, are also struggling with issues like staff shortages, lack of essential medicines, and inadequate facilities. As a result, patients from weaker sections are forced to turn to private hospitals, where they are subjected to exploitative billing practices. The recent case of a daily wage laborer in one of urban centers, who was charged over Rs 2 lakh for a simple surgery, has sparked widespread outrage and reinforced the need for urgent intervention.

CM’s push for affordable healthcare

To address these concerns, CM Naidu has directed officials to explore all possible measures to bring down medical costs. He has also hinted at reforms in health policies, ensuring that affordable and transparent medical care is accessible to all citizens, particularly the poor and marginalized.

With rising public outrage over healthcare costs, the Chief Minister’s strong stance is expected to pave the way for reforms that prioritize patients over profits, ensuring that hospitals serve as centers of healing rather than financial exploitation.