At the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat premises in Mangaluru, Upa Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa spoke at a public grievance meeting on Monday. He expressed serious concerns during the discussion about the unethical activities in government hospitals, especially with regard to prescribing medications that must be purchased from outside sources. Justice Veerappa underlined that doctors should not prescribe medications that patients must purchase from commercial pharmacies, as government hospitals are supposed to serve patients for free, especially the underprivileged. He emphasized that government hospitals have the facilities they need and that, subject to a daily cap of Rs 25,000, they can use government funds to buy a particular medication if it is not available. He asked medical professionals to be humane and refrain from pressuring underprivileged patients to buy medications from other sources.
A major move to fight corruption and increase openness in government offices and hospitals was also underlined by Justice Veerappa. He mandated that all government offices and hospitals publicly post the phone numbers of the district and state authorities in Lokayukta. This is meant to make it simple for the public to file complaints and for the Lokayukta authorities to respond as needed, such as filing suo motu cases in response to public suggestions.
The Justice also took issue with the exorbitant fees in private healthcare facilities, where daycare centers might cost up to Rs 1 to 2 lakh. He voiced alarm about the widespread corruption in many areas of the healthcare sector, pointing out that although illnesses like cancer can be cured, corruption is still a widespread and difficult problem to solve. In his appeal, Justice Veerappa urged women in particular to speak out against corruption since they are essential to changing society.
A failure of the four pillars of democracy—executive, legislative, judicial, and media—could result in widespread corruption, he said as he considered the wider problems that India faces after 78 years of independence. He cautioned that the public may have to defend its rights once more if these institutions fail to carry out their responsibilities in an honest manner. In addition to stressing the significance of preserving the environment for human survival, Justice Veerappa called on the populace to actively engage in defending their rights and fulfilling their constitutional obligations.
To sum up, the Lokayukta’s comments highlighted the importance of moral behavior in government agencies, the battle against corruption, and the active participation of citizens in guaranteeing a fair and responsible society.
SOURCE :
TIMES OF INDIA
