Eye Hospital Faces Investigation Over Alleged High Costs Despite Subsidy Mandate

Dattatray Walse Patil Eye Hospital, managed by Vision Next Eye Hospital, is facing serious allegations. Patients and political workers have accused the hospital of violating government regulations by charging high fees and failing to provide the promised subsidized treatments. This issue has sparked outrage and led to an official complaint being submitted to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on December 13, 2023.

Background of the Hospital

The Dattatray Walse Patil Eye Hospital operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with PMC. Managed by Vision Next Eye Hospital, a registered charitable trust, it is the only specialized ophthalmology center in Pune. The PPP agreement mandates the hospital to provide a 50% discount for Below Poverty Line (BPL) patients and a 90% discount for PMC staff. The hospital’s rates are also supposed to be lower than the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates.

Allegations and Patient Complaints

The allegations stem from claims that the hospital is charging rates similar to private institutions for cataract surgeries. Patients have reported being charged between ₹13,000 and ₹31,000 per eye for procedures, despite being eligible for subsidized care.

For example, Sheetal Adsul, a 52-year-old resident, was quoted ₹12,400 for basic cataract surgery, ₹23,000 for laser-assisted surgery, and ₹31,000 for advanced procedures. When she asked for a discount, the hospital denied her request, stating that the subsidized schemes had been discontinued.

Hospital's Response to the Allegations

Dr. Ambarish Darak, the hospital superintendent, refuted the claims. He stated that the hospital has provided free or subsidized treatment to over 9,000 needy patients. According to Dr. Darak, the issue arose when patients opt for premium lenses instead of standard ones. He explained that while basic lenses are free or subsidized, patients must pay extra for premium options.

Dr. Darak emphasized that the hospital follows all PPP guidelines and maintains transparency by displaying its charitable status. He expressed the hospital’s readiness for an investigation to clear any doubts.

Government's Role and Investigation

Dr. Nina Borade, PMC’s health chief, announced that a thorough investigation would be conducted. If the hospital is found guilty of violating its agreement, appropriate action will be taken.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Aniket Gupta/MSM)