Vigilance department workers raided a private hospital in Vizianagaram and another in Srikakulam on Thursday after receiving complaints about overcharging and selling remdesivir injections at higher prices.
The Varadarajulu Police Superintendent of Vigilance and his team warned hospitals not to indulge in wrongdoing and to collect fees as required by the government.
According to sources, the remdesivir injection sold for £ 35,000 even though the MRP was £ 3,800. The hospitals reportedly raised around £ 15,000 in bed fees per day and additional fees up to £ 40,000 for providing oxygen and ventilators. Every COVID-19 patient was reportedly forced to pay around £ 50,000 a day.
In addition, the hospitals did not accept online payments. Insisting on cash, patients and their loved ones have moved into banks and ATMs. Since the banks work between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., they cannot withdraw large amounts from the banks.