The Karnataka Lokayukta has taken serious note of the alleged exploitation of patients by private ambulance operators and middlemen on the premises of Victoria Hospital following a suo motu probe.
According to a press release, the Lokayukta initiated proceedings based on complaints that patients were being lured to private hospitals under the pretext of a lack of facilities at the government hospital. Private ambulance drivers and intermediaries were allegedly roaming inside the hospital campus, pressuring doctors to refer patients and even influencing attenders to opt for private ambulance services.
During the hearing, officials, including representatives from Bengaluru Medical College & Research Institute and associated hospitals such as Vanivilas Hospital and the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology (Minto Hospital), were directed to respond to the allegations and address administrative lapses.
The Special Officer of the Trauma and Emergency Care Centre, Asima Banu, informed the authority that the situation had become “uncontrollable” due to middlemen and private ambulance operators exploiting patients, particularly amid a shortage of beds. Dr. Banu also flagged instances of threats and assaults on doctors and hospital staff.
