COVID patients urged to complain if mistreated at hospitals

Patients have been urged to complain if they are mistreated at hospitals after being admitted while suffering from COVID19.

Deputy Director-general Health Services (DDGHS), Dr. Hemantha Herath told Daily Mirror that several hotlines have been introduced for patients to register their concerns and complaints on mistreatment.

Patients who are being mistreated at hospitals designated as COVID-19 treatment centres can file their complaints via the Health Concerns hotline 1999, and the 011 7 966 366 and 0710 107 107 hotlines.

Dr. Herath said immediate action will be taken to address the concerns raised by patients at the alleged treatment centres.

Stating that the Health Ministry has been made aware of the mistreatment of certain COVID-19 patients and the lack of beds at certain hospitals, he said the Health Ministry has taken all necessary measures to address the issues.

The DDGHS said that two Deputy Director Generals under the Director Medical Services are in charge of monitoring the situation of hospitals designated as COVID19 treatment centres.

The plight of patients are being monitored by them, and in the event of a complaint filed in this regard, immediate steps will be taken to rectify the situation, he added. Dr. Herath said several such complaints and concerns, including the lack of beds, have already been resolved by the Health Ministry at present. (VYSHNAVY VELRAJH)