Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh :

Much-hyped scheme for free treatment of H1N1 patients in private hospitals is yet to find many takers. Announced last week, no patient has approached the government for assistance.

Considering the severity of swine flu spread, state government had announced that patients, especially from economically weaker section would be treated free of cost at private hospitals and nursing homes. Government had assured to reimburse a part of expenses borne on treatment of such patients and had also appealed to the private hospitals for help. State had guaranteed payment of Rs 5,000 for H1N1 suspects and unlimited amount towards treatment of positive cases.

According to state government officials, announcement was made over the weekend and no applications have been received till now. “We hope we will start getting requests from Monday,” district chief medical and health officer (CMHO) Dr Veena Sinha, told TOI, adding, “A prescribed application form is available online.”

Interestingly, the scheme announced existed on papers since 2010. However, top health department officials when contacted, were unable to provide details of any beneficiary from Bhopal, since the swine flu outbreak in 2010.

Confusion about who benefits from the scheme and when, has raised questions over the time it takes for approval.

According to MP nursing home association advisor, Dr Anoop Hajela, when a patient in need of assistance arrives, he or she is made to sign an affidavit claiming their economic status and financial need. It is then sent for approval to the state government. “We have no idea how long it takes. We have not received any such request yet. The idea is to provide relief and care to the needy patients, which private nursing homes have pledged,” he said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bhopal / TNN / February 16th, 2015