Bhubaneswar: After making provision of free medicines in all the state run health facilities, Odisha government today decided to accord referral hospital tag to as many as 21 private hospitals including some in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Chhttishgargh, official sources said.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. "We have decided to accord referral hospital status to some hospitals in Vishakhapatanam in Andhra Pradesh and Raipur in Chhattishgarh," health minister Damodar Rout said.
Rout said while the patients from southern districts bordering Andhra Pradesh can avail the treatment facilities at Vishakhapatana, the people in the districts of Nuapada, Kalahandi and Bolangir will be able to get treatment at private hospitals at Raipur.
The patients belonging to the below poverty line (BPL) category are availing treatment under the Odisha State Treatment Fund (OSTF).The people of coastal region were able to take the benefits in SCB Medical College Hospital. Prior to this, patients were only referred to the three government-run medical college and hospitals in the state.
While reviewing the implementation of the STF scheme, Patnaik said that Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs) of respective district headquarters hospitals can also refer patients to these referral medicals.
Patnaik also asked officials to publish application form for the OTF in Odia language and create awareness at gram panchayat (GP) level. "The department will ensure these forms are available at all GPs," Rout said.
"There is no dearth of funds for the scheme as the district collectors are still having Rs 12 crore to spend," the minister added.
According to provision of the STF, persons from BPL families suffering from serious diseases are given financial assistance up to Rs 3 lakh.
PTI
