Association of Hospitals (AOH), one of the oldest and trusted associations in healthcare of Mumbai believes there is the need to include Trust Hospitals in the category of most essential services. As a result they should get exemption in the electricity bills, in water supply bills, the telephone services, service tax,Octroiand Property tax that help them to contribute more towards economically weaker section of the society. This will also help to provide uninterrupted healthcare services with out facing strikes and labour unrest to all categories of society whether rich or poor.
The Trust Hospitals annually spend a significant percent of their annual turnover for the poor patients.This is because they feel the need to help the weaker section of the society by providing treatment free or at negligible cost. These facilities are provided only to the genuinely needy people who are unable to pay for minor or major treatments for a healthy living.
“Healthcare expenses cannot be seen at in the same light as daily routine expenses and other entertainment expenses but to be considered as unavoidable expenses. Hence the Charitable Trust Hospitals providing the Healthcare Services should get exemptions and should be undoubtedly placed in the Most Essential Services”, said Dr. P.M. Bhujang, President of the Association of Hospitals.
Adding further to this cause, Dr. Rajkumar Choudhary, Hon. Secretary, Association of Hospitals said, “Inclusion of Trust Hospitals in ‘Most Essential Services’ is going to be beneficial to one and all. Trust Hospitals need to be able to provide uninterrupted service to the patients and government support for this is necessary to include in most essential services category”
