New Delhi [India], September 17 (ANI): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over alleged excessive markups on medical consumables charged by hospitals, claiming that patients were being burdened with high treatment costs.

On World Patient Safety Day, Kharge said the government 'stands exposed' over the issue and cited a Maharashtra FDA report highlighting markups of up to 2,841 per cent on basic medical consumables.

'On World Patient Safety Day, Modi Govt stands exposed for turning patients into prey! Hospitals are charging a staggering 2,841% markup on basic medical consumables like IVs, according to the Maharashtra FDA, exposing the brazen robbery of common patients, especially in private hospitals,' Kharge said in a post on X.

Citing a report, he claimed that India's medical inflation was already at 14 per cent and accused the Centre of failing to act against what he described as a systemic issue.

'India's Medical Inflation is already soaring at an unbearable 14%! A systemic issue, the Union Govt has done absolutely nothing to crackdown on this dacoity by middle mafias!' the Congress chief said.

Kharge also cited a survey, claiming that 68 per cent of respondents had reported excessive treatment costs, while 56 per cent flagged exorbitant ICU or room charges and 51 per cent reported excessive prices for medicines and consumables.

He further linked the issue to rising food, retail and wholesale inflation, saying that these costs were already 'burning the pockets of common people'.

'Perhaps, the BJP should light a diya to atone for its pathetic misgovernance & sins!' Kharge added.

https://x.com/kharge/status/2100502395365302301

Kharge's remarks came on World Patient Safety Day, observed annually on September 17. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the day seeks to bring together patients, families, caregivers, communities, health workers, healthcare leaders and policymakers to demonstrate their commitment to patient safety.

The WHO has said that 'World Patient Safety Day calls for global solidarity and concerted action by all countries and international partners to improve patient safety'.

The observance was established following the adoption of resolution WHA 72.6 on 'Global action on patient safety', which recognised patient safety as a global health priority. (ANI)