Date:13/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/13/stories/2006111318450400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

PJR seeks aid for dengue patient

Staff Reporter

Medical bill at Apollo runs up to Rs. 1.75 lakhs; hospital offers concession

ANXIETY PREVAILS: Khairatabad legislator P. Janar- dhan Reddy talking to the family of the patient at Apollo Hospital on Sunday. — Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

Hyderabad: Khairatabad MLA P. Janardhan Reddy has urged Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy to intervene and save a poor youth suffering from the dreaded dengue. O. Ratnam, 25, a resident of Filmnagar, is admitted to Apollo Hospital in a critical condition.

Mr. Janardhan Reddy visited him at the hospital's intensive care unit on Sunday and enquired about his health.

The boy's father, Devadas, a labourer, and mother Chinamma, who works as a housemaid, are too poor to bear the medical expenses of their son. Ratnam was first admitted to Vijaya Mary Hospital at Chintalbasti on November 3 and later referred to Apollo Hospital.

During the last one week the medical bill here ran up to Rs 1.75 lakhs.

The indigent family could pay only Rs. 50,000 and is not in a position to foot the bill. Mr. Janardhan Reddy met Apollo Hospital chairman Pratap C Reddy, and urged him to provide maximum concession. The latter informed him that he would waive other charges but concession in medicines was difficult.

Later speaking to presspersons, Mr. Janardhan Reddy, said he had spoken to Health Minister K. Rosaiah and would meet the Chief Minister and seek aid from the Chief Minister's relief fund.