NGOs demand free medical treatment for people

Members of different NGOs here today demanded that the Centre and all state governments provide treatment facilities at no cost to people.
At least 70 per cent people in the country still have to pay for their medical treatment from their own pockets, Dr Narendra Gupta, an adviser to a Chittor-based NGO, claimed at a workshop here.
There has been an increase in number of patients at Rajasthan's government hospitals after the introduction of free medicines and tests, he claimed, adding "people from neighbouring states are also availing the services".
"Presently around 9 lakh people are availing free medical care in the state," Gupta said.

Medical treatment is a right and people should be provided treatment at no cost to meet the objectives of public health movement, secretary Scout and Guide wing at Kota Yagya Dutt Hada said.
A health activist from Kota, Leena Sharma expressed concern over lack of recruitment of female pharmacists in government hospitals.
She demanded the state government recruit women pharmacists for its various drug stores and counters.