Currency transition: Services at hospitals not affected much

Government hospitals largely remained unaffected on Wednesday in the wake of demonetisation of high denomination currency, while private hospitals did not accept Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes or managed the needs with internal coordination.

Authorities at Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Hospital, the biggest hospital under the Delhi government, said: “Since our services are free, we do not have to worry about monetary transaction.” 

“Also, the medicines prescribed by our doctors are available for free. So no issues arose at our hospital,” a senior LNJP Hospital official said. Safdarjung Hospital too did not face any problem, authorities said. In order to cope with shortage of lower denomination available with AIIMS, the institute brought in some measures. “OPD card charge of Rs 10 per patient shall not be charged from walk-in patients from November 10-11. Also, charges for clinical services for out-patients where the cumulative billing per transaction per patient is less than Rs 500 shall not be charged for November 10-11,” the AIIMS said.

As per the order, government hospitals will continue to accept Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes for payment. Pharmacies in government hospitals will also accept these notes for purchase of medicines.

At Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were not accepted, though, officials said, “The situation at our hospital was normal with no major problem.” 

“On an average we perform about 100 surgeries a day and today also we did the same. Day-care surgeries were also normal in number. The admission and discharge process also did not face any major issues.

“The payments are being accepted by credit/debit cards or cheques,” D S Rana, Chairman (Board of Management) at SGRH said. Officials at a private hospital said the needs were managed with internal 

coordination, so that people do not suffer.