Concerns rise over ‘exploitation of patients’ in Arilova Health CityResidents seek action asprivate hospitals accused of overcharging and neglect

Serious concerns are mounting over alleged exploitation of patients at private hospitals in Arilova Health City. Established in 2006 on land subsidised by the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), the area was envisioned as a hub for advanced, affordable medical care. However, many now claim that the reality falls far short of this promise.
“It’s like they’re taking advantage of our desperation,” said a resident, whose family member recently underwent surgery at a private hospital in the health city. “We were already worried about our loved one’s health, and then we were hit with a bill that was double what we expected. Where are we supposed to go?”
Arilova Health City, home to 18 private hospitals, attracts patients from across northern Andhra Pradesh, as well as neighbouring States like Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Hospitals received land at concessional rates, ranging from Rs 2.4 crore to Rs 4 crore per acre, with the understanding that they would provide affordable healthcare. But the reality on the ground paints a different picture, according to numerous complaints.
“We brought our daughter in with breathing problems,” recounted another local resident. “Two days in the hospital cost us Rs 32,000. Insurance covered some, but we still had to pay Rs 20,000 out of pocket. It’s just too much.” Other complaints allege hospitals are charging for services not rendered, such as food, further exacerbating the financial burden on patients.
The problems extend beyond inflated bills. “People come from all over, especially Odisha,” explained a frequent visitor to the health city. “They wait on the roads, under trees, with no place to even sit. It’s inhumane.” Despite the influx of patients, designated waiting areas are sorely lacking. Experts suggest a collaboration between hospital managements and the Industrial Area Local Authority (IALA) could address this issue by securing additional land for shelters.
APIIC guidelines for land allocation mandate that hospitals provide affordable healthcare, including free outpatient services to at least 10 per cent of patients, reserving 15 per cent of beds for free treatment of underprivileged patients, and complimentary medical care to students from government Gurukul schools. “These rules are in place for a reason,” one local activist stated. “But it seems like some hospitals are ignoring them while still charging exorbitant fees. It’s a clear violation of the agreement.”
 The situation is prompting calls for immediate government intervention. “The authorities need to step in and enforce the regulations,” demanded a concerned citizen. “We need to protect patients from financial exploitation. Affordable healthcare shouldn’t be a privilege; it should be a right.”
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