BELAGAVI: Sixteen organisations have come together and expressed their support for the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill, saying that the state should bow down to pressure from the private medical lobby. A letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, signed by noted author Devanoor Mahadeva, freedom fighter H S Doreswamy and others, said that private hospitals have gotten into the habit of referring unnecessary tests for patients and prescribing medicines that aren’t needed, turning the process of seeking medical help into an expensive process.
The organisations have welcomed the amendments and said passing it would help poor people have better access to medical care. “It is sad that hospitals and doctors have resorted to protests to bring pressure on the government. The Chief Minister should set aside the pressure from the medical fraternity and push the amendments to help the people.” the letter stated.
The letter has been signed by Karnataka Janaarogya Chaluvali, Alternative Law Forum, Slum Janadolana Karnataka, Karnataka Janashakti, Swaraj Abhiyan, Samaana Shikshanakkagi Janandolana, Mahila Munnade, Garment and Textile Workers Union, Safai Karmachari Kavalu Samiti, Sangama, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, Karnataka Sex Workers’ Union and others.