Chandigarh, Jun 13 (IANS): Taking cognizance of reports of exorbitant rates being charged by private hospitals from Covid-19 patients, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu, here on Saturday, warned of stringent action against such hospitals, including cancellation of licence.

He said the state government would soon finalise charges for Covid-19 treatment, keeping in view interests of patients as well as private hospitals. "But at no cost will the government allow exploitation of patients by private hospitals," he said.

Calling it a catastrophe when everyone is fighting for survival, Sidhu said some unscrupulous private hospitals tried to resort to loot of the helpless patients.

The Minister said his attention had been drawn towards the unprecedentedly high charges imposed by private hospitals for treatment of Covid-19 patients.

Sidhu said licence of such hospitals would be cancelled and all facilities withdrawn. The government reserved the right to withdraw land provided to these hospitals at highly concessional rates, he added.

Sidhu has called a special meeting on Monday to decide the fee structure for treatment of Covid-19 patients.