A new controversy has emerged in Kerala’s health sector as Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan called for immediate action from Health Minister Veena George regarding allegations of private hospitals paying commissions to ambulance drivers. The minister disclosed that hospitals in Kochi reportedly offer Rs 10,000 per patient brought in by ambulance drivers, with similar practices in Thiruvananthapuram where amounts up to Rs 5,000 per patient are paid. She highlighted that these costs are eventually passed on to patients through their bills.
Responding to these claims, Satheesan emphasized the minister’s duty to address any ambulance-related issues and criticized the lack of concrete actions. He questioned why the responsibility falls on the Opposition rather than the government to address such matters. The ongoing exchange between the two leaders has now extended to concerns raised by the minister about significant investments by global pharmaceutical companies in Kerala’s private healthcare sector, leading to debates on regulatory oversight and transparency.
The escalating dispute underscores the need for potential investigations or enhanced regulations in private hospitals following the public disclosure of these allegations. The back-and-forth between the political figures reflects broader tensions in healthcare governance, hinting at possible future developments in the sector.
