Nizamabad: An alarming rise in patient deaths at private hospitals in Nizamabad district over the past few months has raised serious concerns about negligence and unethical practices in some multi-speciality hospitals. Family members of several deceased patients have alleged that a few private hospitals failed to provide proper treatment while forcibly collecting exorbitant fees and other charges.
The district has nearly 250 multi-speciality hospitals, nursing homes and clinics in Nizamabad, Bodhan and Armoor. These hospitals not only cater to patients from Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Nirmal and Jagtial districts, but also from neighbouring Degloor, Biloli and Dharmabad talukas in Maharashtra’s Nanded district.
Private hospitals are reportedly engaging PMP doctors, RMPs, ambulance staff and brokers to attract patients. As a result, the number of both outpatients and inpatients has sharply increased in select hospitals. However, many of these institutions are allegedly unequipped to handle serious medical cases, leading to frequent fatalities. Families of victims are reportedly afraid to file written complaints with the police, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) or the private nursing homes association due to pressure and fear of reprisal.
In earlier years, residents would travel to Hyderabad for advanced treatment. Now, many are relying on local multi-speciality hospitals, only to encounter both health complications and financial exploitation. In several cases, hospitals have allegedly reached private settlements with families by offering fee reductions or monetary compensation to avoid further scrutiny.
S. Siddaiah, founder of Sneha Society, an NGO working with vulnerable groups, said that members of the homosexual community have faced serious issues with a few hospitals in Nizamabad. Citing a recent incident, he said one of such members was seriously injured in a road accident and was admitted to Manorama Hospital on Hyderabad Road. Doctors reportedly declared low chances of survival and performed “suspicious” surgeries before handing over the body after collecting `1.7 lakh. Siddaiah said the family and community members are planning a protest in front of the hospital.
The unchecked involvement of quacks and brokers has led to crowding at a few multi-speciality hospitals, leaving smaller clinics and nursing homes with declining patient footfall. Some hospital managements, allegedly enjoying political influence, have been pressuring district medical and health officials to avoid action despite multiple irregularities. Within the last week, the deaths of a pregnant woman from Kamareddy and a man named Poshetty from Bazarkothur in Nandipet mandal have turned controversial.
Shockingly, even the deaths of hospital staff have sparked public outcry. Two nurses employed at a private hospital on Hyderabad Road were found dead under suspicious circumstances, and police have registered cases. I Town police station house officer Raghupathi confirmed that a case has been filed in the death of nurse Shilpa at Manorama Hospital, and further investigation will follow after the medical reports are received.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Dr Shiva Prasad, former president of the IMA Nizamabad unit, said complaints against private hospitals are forwarded to the IMA’s Ethical Committee. “We are trying to prevent untoward incidents in private hospitals by coordinating closely with doctors,” he said. Dr Prasad added that all hospital deaths are registered with the municipal corporations and urged people to carefully evaluate hospitals before seeking treatment.
