Many complaints pour in about private hospitals fleecing COVID patients
Posted on: 22/Aug/2020 9:37:13 AM
The private hospitals have been charging excess amounts from the Covid-19 patients and many complaints regarding this are pouring even now.
It is well known that DMS or Directorate of Medical Services has taken action against many private hospitals for over charging the Coronavirus patients in TN and licences of 2 hospitals have been revoked. Inspite of these, many private hospitals continue to fleece patients and complaints keep coming.
As many as 47 grievances on overcharging have been received and this was as per some senior officials belonging to the health department. Specific charges for covid-19 treatment have been fixed at the private hospitals. It was stated that A1 and A2 hospitals must not charge more than Rs 7500 a day whereas A3 and A4 hospitals must not charge more than Rs 5000 per day. The daily charges must not exceed Rs 15000 in both categories for treatment at ICUs.
Many private hospitals have been over charging on the PPE kits, intensive care unit, daily room availability etc. After many complaints were received from the people, 2 private hospital licences were revoked. Information collected from 2 more private hospitals in Madurai and Kanyakumari are under the scanner now.
As per an officer belonging to the health department, despite warnings if the hospital does not comply with the guidelines, the officials from the health department would inspect and take action based on the written complaint. It was later explained by Dr. Gurunathan, DMS that patients have produced bills to the authorities and asked for the details. He added that there are many who have received refunds also.
It is important to mention that JD from DMS has been keeping check on the overcharging in every district in TN. Truth is a team of officials from the DMS would conduct inspection and take action.
