Calls for Prioritizing Affordable Healthcare for the Poor
Key Points:
- Amit Agarwal criticizes companies for commercializing private hospitals.
- Warns of protests if healthcare for the poor is not prioritized.
- Demands use of CSR funds to improve medical facilities for needy patients.
JAMSHEDPUR – Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Jharkhand State Minister Amit Agarwal has issued a stern warning to major company managements in Jamshedpur, urging them to stop commercializing their private hospitals. He emphasized that these hospitals should prioritize affordable healthcare for the city’s poor and needy over profit-making activities.
Agarwal criticized the current state of private hospitals in the city, stating that the poor are often denied proper treatment due to financial constraints. “It is condemnable that helpless patients have to struggle for appropriate treatment. These companies have turned their hospitals into profit centers,” he said.
He further pointed out that families of workers who served these companies for years face harassment during treatment. “Instead of prioritizing treatment, patients and their families are harassed to arrange full payments. Bed and cabin charges in these hospitals are now comparable to three-star hotels,” Agarwal remarked, calling it an act of insensitivity by the companies.
The BJYM leader urged companies to utilize their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funds to provide free or subsidized healthcare facilities for the underprivileged. He warned companies to reform their hospital management systems within seven days. “If these issues are not addressed, we will initiate a massive protest through the District Commissioner’s office, along with legal action and a public movement,” he cautioned.
Agarwal concluded by reminding company managements of their responsibility toward the working-class community, stating that the laborers’ hard work is the backbone of Jamshedpur. He condemned instances where patients were denied treatment or deceased individuals’ bodies were withheld due to financial issues.
The BJYM leader’s strong stance highlights growing concerns about the accessibility of healthcare in Jamshedpur’s private hospitals, urging companies to take immediate corrective measures.
