Private commercial activities are flourishing unchecked in several government hospitals, raising concerns among patients and their families. Canteens, parking lots, and medical stores within hospital premises are largely under private control. While some operate with formal permissions, many others function without authorization, with administrators setting their own fees. Patients questioning these practices are reportedly threatened with eviction, and in some cases, private security has been deployed to enforce these rules. Long-standing hospital staff have raised concerns about corruption and vested interests behind this unauthorized control. Despite these issues, government officials appear largely indifferent, leaving patients and helpers frustrated.

Parking fee soaring

Hospitals such as Gandhi, Osmania, NIMS, Niloufer, Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, and maternity hospitals witness thousands of patients and attendants daily. Parking fees in some hospitals have reportedly reached exorbitant levels, generating crores of rupees annually. Motorcycles, autos, and cars are charged at high rates, with car parking fees reportedly reaching up to Rs 100 per vehicle. Those unable to pay are allegedly threatened with removal from hospital premises, making access difficult for patients and attendants alike.

Canteens operating without permits

Canteens in many government hospitals are reportedly operating without proper permissions, often occupying upper floors of hospital buildings. Electricity, water, and other facilities provided by the hospital are used for private profit. Annual business turnovers are said to run into lakhs, but no part of these earnings goes toward hospital development. In case of emergencies or accidents in these canteens, the risk to patients below is significant. Some canteens operate with nominal permissions but charge high prices, effectively exploiting economically weaker patients.

Medical stores profiting

Private medical stores are also thriving in hospitals such as Sarojini Devi, Osmania, Gandhi, and NIMS. Essential medicines like those for fever, cold, and cough, which the government provides free of cost, are often unavailable in practice. Doctors reportedly ask patients to buy other required medications from private stores. Patients are sometimes referred to specific labs or scanning centers, creating additional financial burdens and raising questions about transparency in public healthcare services.

Patient concerns

These practices have left patients and their families aggrieved. The unchecked dominance of private businesses in public hospitals not only burdens patients financially but also undermines the purpose of government healthcare. Activists and helpers have urged authorities to take strict action to regulate commercial activities and ensure that hospital services remain affordable and accessible.