Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday warned private hospitals and said those indulging in black-marketing of beds for COVID-19 patients, will not be spared.
“I am not saying all private hospitals are bad, many are doing great work. Some hospitals are denying admission to COVID-19 patients, seeking exorbitant amount as the fee. I am warning them, if they think they will be able to do black-marketing of beds using the influence of their political connections, you will not be spared,” the Chief Minister said.
Talking to reporters online he recounted an anecdote to shed light on the gravity of the problem. “Just a few days ago, on a LIVE television program, a news anchor called up a hospital and enquired about a bed saying that a corona patient needs to be admitted. The hospital refused. On insisting, they demanded Rs eight lakh,” he said.
The Delhi government had earlier launched a mobile application to facilitate people to track the number of available beds and ventilators in various hospitals to treat coronavirus patients.
Kejriwal said that the “transparent” information has “empowered” people, and will further help minimise the black-marketing scam of beds. However, there was “uproar” over the app as if a crime has been committed.
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