‘Private clinics, hospitals can’t refuse patients’

29/04/2020, SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT,KOLKATA

The West Bengal government is set to issue an advisory to private hospitals making clear that they cannot turn back patients and directing private clinics and doctors’ private chambers to remain open during the ongoing lockdown.

“Private hospital will have to be more energetic,” Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha said. “We have to ensure that they do not refuse patients... We are issuing an advisory,” he added.

“Clinics are shut and doctors are saying that they cannot treat patients as they have their chambers in the private clinic’s building,” said a patient’s relative. “Many private hospitals are shut too,” the relative added.

Over 28 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours in the State.