Mohali DC marks inquiry against private hospital

Tribune News Service

Mohali, May 15

Deputy Commissioner Girish Dayalan today marked an inquiry into the allegations of overcharging by a Zirakpur-based private hospital and denial to give the body to the family without clearance of bills, levelled by the family of a deceased Covid-19 patient.

A three-member committee comprising the local SDM, DSP and the SMO has been constituted to probe the matter and asked to submit a report within 24 hours.

Paramjit Singh, 39, who was suffering from severe pneumonia because of Covid, was admitted to New Life Line Hospital, Zirakpur, on April 26. On May 10, the patient’s family obtained “left against medical advice” (LAMA) from New Life Line Hospital to transfer the patient to the Mukut hospital in Sector 34, Chandigarh. An ambulance of the Mukut hospital couldn’t take the patient as in the process of shifting him, his condition deteriorated. Given the urgency of the situation, the patient was retained in the same hospital and he died on May 14, said officials concerned.

Sanbir Kapoor, deceased’s relative, said: ‘’The doctor, Muneesh Goel, was reluctant to release the patient.’’

After the death of the patient, his attendant had a heated argument with the hospital staff. In the ensuing scuffle, an LED TV of the hospital was broken. The patient’s relatives accused the hospital authorities of not providing proper care to the patient and raising exorbitant bills. They alleged that the hospital authorities refused to hand over the patient’s body and asked the family to clear the bills first.

Meanwhile, the hospital authorities claimed that no substandard treatment was provided to the patient. He was in a critical condition and unfortunately passed away. In fact, they issued LAMA to the family at the latter’s behest and readmitted the patient when his admission to the other hospital did not materialise. They claimed the bills were as per GoP norms, the 19-day stay on ventilator on capped rates and over Rs3 lakh as charges for the room.

Zirakpur SHO Omkar Brar rushed to the spot on receiving a complaint and controlled the situation. The body was handed over to the patient’s family and he was cremated the same day.

The Deputy Commissioner said the bills raised by the hospital were being examined by the Civil Surgeon.