Digital payments yet to impress government hospitals; Minister assures solution

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the widespread adoption of digital payments across the country, government hospitals in Kerala are yet to embrace the system. Most government hospitals still accept only cash payments. At a time when even small-scale roadside vendors utilise UPI systems, government hospitals continue to shun digital transactions. Patients are often forced to carry large amounts of cash to pay for procedures such as surgeries.

This situation is causing significant hardship for patients and their attendants. People are questioning the surprising reluctance shown by government hospitals to adopt digital payment methods.

It would be ideal if the Health Department took the initiative and ensured that facilities for digital payments are available at all healthcare institutions, ranging from medical colleges to primary health centres. Doctors and others point out that the issue could easily be resolved if the government establishes a unified system for this purpose.

The National Forum for People's Rights submitted a memorandum to Health Minister K. Muraleedharan, urging the implementation of digital payment systems in all government hospitals across the state. Led by National Secretary M. Najeeb and General Secretary Kariyam B Chandran, the delegation highlighted the significant difficulties currently faced by patients and their attendants. The Minister assured them that the matter would be examined.