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Currency Demonetisation: A Ranchi Hospital Is Giving Free Treatment To Patients Who Don't Have Cash

"Saving lives is a priority."
ANI/ Twitter

RANCHI -- A private hospital in Ranchi is treating patients for free as the country grapples with a cash crunch post the demonetisation of ₹500 and ₹1,000 currency notes.

In a surprise move, the government withdrew ₹500 and ₹1,000 currency notes from circulation at midnight on 8 November in a bid to flush out money hidden from the taxation authorities.

Acknowledging the difficulty of the situation, The Vinayka Hospital and Research Centre announced free treatment for all patients from 10-13 November.

Chief Medical Officer of the Vinayka Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. Chandan Kumar Yadav, said saving lives is a priority.

"We are supporting the Prime Minister's step that is the important thing. And the most important thing is that lives matter not money," said Kumar.

"This will go on till November 13, till the country's economy normalizes a little and till people do not get ₹2,000 or ₹4,000. I have even put up notices in nearby areas that Dr. Chandan Kumar and Vinayka Hospital will provide everything free from patients' treatment, operation, surgery, ICU, anything. Be it medicines, tests, ECG and X-ray, we are doing it free of cost," he added.

The government's step caught citizens across the country off-guard. With the 500 and 1,000 rupee banknotes no longer valid, people have been braving long queues at ATMs and banks to withdraw new notes or exchange the old ones.

However, with a limit of ₹2,000 and ₹4,000 on withdrawal and exchange of money respectively, people are struggling to cope with their expenses.

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.