Siliguri, 08th May: Allegations of extorting money in the name of medical treatment amid the present situation are being raised against many nursing homes. Furthermore, patients are also being charged extra money to undergo a COVID test. Addressing these issues, the Chairman of Siliguri Municipal Corporation’s Board of Administrators, Goutam Deb held a meeting with the officials of various nursing homes today.
In an hour-long discussion, nursing home authorities have been instructed not to charge any extra money to patients in the name of the treatment in any way. Also, each nursing home has been asked to accept the Swasthya Sathi card.
Apart from this, harrowing allegations of charging extra money for cremating bodies of COVID-19 patients are surfacing from numerous places in the city. The newly appointed Administrator gave a stern warning regarding the matter and claimed to take stringent action against all involved.
In addition to this, Deb asked the authorities to provide information concerning the number of total beds in each of the nursing homes along with the number of vacant beds. If any nursing home fails to do so, then the SMC officials will visit the institutions themselves to take the necessary information.
On the other hand, the SMC will make arrangements to provide food for one month to the infected family in the SMC area. Families who are in difficulty will be given priority.