In a significant move to prioritize patient rights and ethical healthcare practices, Jharkhand’s Health Minister, Dr. Irfan Ansari, announced on Sunday a new directive aimed at private hospitals. During his visit to Dhanbad, Dr. Ansari underscored the importance of humane treatment in healthcare and declared that no private hospital in the state would be allowed to withhold a deceased patient’s body due to unpaid bills.

Immediate Action Against Non-Compliance

Dr. Ansari emphasized that if a private hospital violates this directive, stringent action will be taken against them. To ensure seamless implementation, he stated that the Health Department would issue formal instructions to the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) across all districts. These officials will be tasked with monitoring and enforcing the directive, ensuring that grieving families are not subjected to further trauma.

Addressing the Commercialization of Healthcare

Expressing concern over the increasing commercialization of healthcare services, Dr. Ansari remarked, “Private hospitals, which were originally established to serve the community, have now turned into commercial entities. This transformation has led to practices that compromise the sanctity of healthcare services. We are determined to put an end to this.”

Crackdown on Quackery

In addition to addressing unethical practices in private hospitals, Dr. Ansari vowed to take strict action against fake doctors operating in the state. He assured the public that the Health Department would intensify its efforts to identify and penalize such individuals who jeopardize patient safety and tarnish the credibility of the medical profession.

Revamping Government Hospitals

In a bid to enhance public healthcare, Dr. Ansari announced plans to upgrade government hospitals in Jharkhand to a level that rivals the best facilities in Delhi. “Our aim is to provide world-class healthcare services to every citizen of Jharkhand, irrespective of their economic status. This transformation will include modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art medical equipment, and enhanced training programs for medical staff,” he added.

Commitment to Ethical and Inclusive Healthcare

Dr. Ansari’s announcements reflect the government’s commitment to fostering an ethical, inclusive, and patient-centered healthcare system in Jharkhand. These initiatives aim to restore trust in healthcare institutions, ensuring that the needs of patients and their families are prioritized above commercial interests.

The Health Minister’s proactive measures have been welcomed by citizens and healthcare advocates, who see them as a step towards a more compassionate and accountable healthcare ecosystem.