Revolution in medical facilities is needed

It's tough time for the patients who are already going through chronic diseases and required immediate treatment but have to stay back due to the pandemic.

Now people are adjusting with the unlock phase along with important restrictions but the fear of getting infected with the virus hasn't gone as yet.

Many private medical institutions are not giving appointments to OPDs without prior COVID test reports.

Private hospitals have been insisting on COVID-19 tests even for patients who may not fit the government's criteria for testing. In some instances, hospitals are insisting that non-COVID patients and their family members get tested every time they need to go to the hospital or even visit the patient. These charges add to the overall cost of treatment making it very difficult for people with chronic illness who need regular treatment.

Treatments without prior tests is a myth now in our state, patients need to pay heavy sums of money for tests after tests and that takes a lot of time for the actual treatment to begin and at last the patient's condition worsens.

The fear of wrong treatment in spite of huge payments is another major concern. During this pandemic, financial conditions are not at its best for anyone and such huge costs and lengthening of treatment has become a headache for sick people.

The unavailability of public transportation in places and people's inability to afford to rented vehicles is adding up to the trouble.

Rajashree Das,

Gauhati University