Patients can now complain about issues, malpractices online

The website, www.privatehospitalswatch.in aims at compiling public testimonials on alleged patient rights violation and presenting them to the policy makers.

Providing a platform to patients across the country, who have been at the receiving end of medical negligence and malpractices, a group of patients’ rights activists on Wednesday launched a website, where patients can report grievances.

The website was launched during a two-day long workshop attended by over 60 health activists, doctors, public health experts. (HT File)

The website, www.privatehospitalswatch.in aims at compiling public testimonials on alleged patient rights violation and presenting them to the policy makers.

Abhijit More, co-convenor, Jan Arogya Abhiyan, a non-governmental organisation that works towards improving medical access to people in Maharashtra said that at present, there are only two avenues available to patients, where they can put forth their grievances, but both have their limitations.

“They can either approach the state medical council, where cases since 2000 are pending, or the consumer forum, which largely looks at medical negligence cases,” More said.

He also added that there is no formal patient redressal mechanism for issues like lack of clarity on medical costs and compulsion to buy medicines from hospital pharmacies

The website was launched during a two-day long workshop attended by over 60 health activists, doctors, public health experts.

Jayant Singh, the father of a seven-year old girl, who died of dengue at a private hospital in Gurugram was also present.

Singh had alleged that the hospital had charged ‘exorbitant’ fees of Rs18 lakhs despite the fact that his daughter didn’t survive.

“A platform like this will help many to come ahead and talk about corporate and private hospitals overcharging. The issues will hopefully get the kind of attention they need,” Singh added..