Saturday was distinguished as ‘Misery Day’ by the doctors across the city. This was done because the doctors were not happy with the tax hike of 5 percent on healthcare in the recent health budget. They have shown their disapproval and gathered near the Governor’s house showing their discontent.

Dr. Devi Shetty, a city based cardiologist, has stated that a patient who operated for a heart surgery will have to pay Rs.5, 000 to Rs.10, 000 more with the introduction of the proposed service tax.  And the tax for the cancer patients for their operation will be more than 20000.

Earlier, it was mistaken that the hike in the tax will affect only rich peoples but the proposal says that this tax is applicable only on air conditioned hospitals. It is obvious that for a surgery, whether simple or complex, there is a need of an air-conditioned operation theatre.

A blood bank can’t get its legal authorization till it is not air-conditioning. Moreover, he has also added that CT, MRI and Catheterization labs also need air-conditioning. Without it is can’t be operated.