Allegations of illegal fee collection at KGH casualty resurface

Allegations have once again emerged regarding hospital staff at King George Hospital (KGH), the largest government-run healthcare facility in North Andhra, demanding money for basic medical services.

Patients and their attendants have reported that payments are being requested for routine services, such as applying bandages, transferring patients to wards, and transporting them on stretchers. An attendant in the casualty ward stated, “If we question why money is being asked, the services are delayed or denied.”

A recent incident was reported by N. Tejeswara Rao, a city resident who injured his fingers in a road accident on December 31, after his motorcycle was hit by riders coming from the wrong direction. He was taken to the casualty ward at KGH, where doctors examined him and advised that he needed an X-ray, followed by bandaging.

“The staff told us that getting the bandage done outside would cost Rs 3,000, but they would do it here for Rs 1,000,” Mr. Tejeswara Rao said. “We had no option but to pay.”

He alleged that the procedure was carried out negligently. “Only two fingers needed plasters, but they tightly wrapped my hand from the fingers up to the elbow,” he explained, adding that his arm swelled and the pain became unbearable. He later sought treatment at another hospital, where doctors removed the bandage after examining his hand.

Complaints of illegal payment demands at the KGH casualty ward are not new. Several patients and attendants have claimed that fixed amounts are being charged for transferring patients, taking them for diagnostic tests, and providing other essential services. One attendant stated, “This has been going on for a long time, but no action has been taken.”

Despite multiple complaints, hospital authorities have yet to respond decisively, raising concerns about patient care and accountability at the government-run hospital.