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Passengers reported being charged up to Rs 800 for services as simple as measuring blood pressure or receiving a dose of paracetamol.
Passengers outraged by Rs 800 medical fee at Delhi Airport.
Passengers at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport voiced their frustration over medical treatment charges, with some claiming that even basic services such as blood pressure checks and paracetamol for fever came with a hefty price tag. The ire was directed at the airport’s operator, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), and the local authorities responsible for health facilities at the airport.
Prior to the airport’s privatisation, government-run dispensaries were available at Terminals 1 and 2 to cater to the medical needs of passengers. However, following the privatisation of Delhi Airport, these government services were phased out. In their place, DIAL partnered with Medanta Hospital, which now operates medical centres across all airport terminals.
These Medanta-run facilities are equipped to handle emergencies and provide a range of medical services. However, the introduction of fees for even basic treatments sparked outrage. Passengers reported being charged up to Rs 800 for services as simple as measuring blood pressure or receiving a dose of paracetamol.
A passenger, under the username Najafgarh Manch on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressed their displeasure, stating that first aid boards were put up at Terminal 3 of IGI Airport to advertise services by Medanta Hospital, but, when one approached the desk, they were charged Rs 800. “Why is the government unable to provide basic healthcare services like measuring BP or providing paracetamol without charging passengers,” he said.
See the viral post:
IGI Airport T-3 has been advertised by putting up First Aid boards, First Aid by Medanta Hospital boards have been put up at 2 places but when you go to Medanta Desk, you will have to pay a fee of Rs 800. Delhi/Government of India, there is no 1 doctor to give PCM to measure BP/fever. Pharmasocit cannot be applied @DelhiAirport @DGCAIndia pic.twitter.com/KZSGQK6Kn6(@ManchNajafgarh) November 23, 2024
In response to the complaint, DIAL issued a clarification, explaining that the Rs 800 fee is for a consultation with a doctor at the Medanta medical centre. DIAL further explained that the medicines provided, such as paracetamol, were dispensed based on a doctor’s prescription.
However, passengers continue to question the lack of government-run medical facilities at the airport, pointing out that while Medanta offers paid services, there are no alternative provisions for basic medical care such as measuring blood pressure, administering CPR, or providing immediate first aid.
“The issue is not just the cost,” wrote Najafgarh Manch. “It’s that there are no basic healthcare facilities provided by the government. There’s no doctor, pharmacist, or even a simple BP machine available without being charged. Why are passengers left with no option but to pay for basic healthcare?”
While DIAL acknowledged the complaint and clarified the nature of the charges, it is yet to address the broader question of government responsibility for basic healthcare services at the airport. As the debate continues, passengers remain frustrated by what they see as an essential service being monetised in a setting where quick access to medical assistance can be critical.
The growing dissatisfaction among travellers sparked wider discussions on social media about the privatisation of airport services and the responsibility of both airport authorities and government health agencies to provide essential medical care at transportation hubs.
