Fearing pandemic, few takers for Amma Master Health Check-up Scheme

The scheme offers three packages Silver, Gold and Diamond, which are available at Rs 1,000, Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively. Recently, a new Platinum package (Rs 4,000) was launched in the backdrop of the pandemic under which there are several new tests.

The hospital had closed these services for about four months as there were no queries for whole body check-up. “We reopened in August after patients started requesting for the check-up. About 300 persons have availed the Platinum package since its launch,” said Dr Ananda Kumar, nodal officer and coordinator of Amma Master Health Check-up at the hospital.

Patients coming for whole body check-up under various packages have come down from 50-60 cases a day to 15 cases now, said one of the executives at the centre. It receives about 10 requests a day for the new package, while there is not much demand for the other packages, the person said. “Currently, we have kept appointment-based allotment to ensure safety,” said the executive.

Despite maintaining all safety precautions, the whole body check-up requests have declined due to the fear of contracting the infection, said hospital authorities. Lack of transportation during the lockdown was one another reason, as many patients come from other districts.

“Patients fear contracting COVID because we have been treating patients in the other building of the hospital. All safety standards are being followed and social distancing is being followed to ensure the safety of the patients. We have not encountered any difficulties so far. People are also given free consultation for yoga, naturopathy for lung compliance and immunity,” added Dr Ananda Kumar.

Many are opting for the Platinum package because it includes analysis of various parameters for pulmonary functioning and other risks associated with COVID-19, said doctors. However, they added that more people should come forward to check other parameters including cardiac issues, obesity, blood sugar levels and non-communicable diseases due to decreased physical activity.