Gurugram hospital under govt scanner after charging Rs 16 lakhs for dengue patient's care
New Delhi, Nov 21 (IBNS): The Union Health Ministry is probing allegations against Gurugram-based Fortis Memorial Research Institute, which reportedly charged a dengue patient's family Rs 16 lakhs over a two-week period.
After receiving complaints about the same, Health Minister JP Nadda tweeted on Monday, "Please provide me details on hfwminister@gov.in. We will take all the necessary action."
A seven-year-old, suffering from severe dengue, was admitted to the aforementioned facility.
Later, her condition worsened and was put on ventilator support.
After spending close to 15 days, she was moved to another hospital that pronounced her dead.
The deceased's father was quoted as saying by The Econmic Times that even though the hospital kept him updated after the daily charges, it never provided him with a break up of how the charges accumulated.
"I have asked them for a day-by-day break-up (of the charges). Till date, they have not given me this (break-up) or the case file. They've only given the consolidated bill," he said.
He also accused the facility's doctors of misguiding the family through conflicting statements.
"One doctor was saying that nothing can be done and we should let her rest in peace, while another was suggesting alternative treatments," he said.
However, refuting the father's claim, a hospital spokesperson said that the patient's condition was critical and needed intensive monitoring right from the start.
The spokesperson also added that standard procedures were followed while handling her case.
"All standard medical protocols were followed in treating the patient and all clinical guidelines were adhered to," the spokesperson told the daily.
"Care of ventilated patients in ICU requires a high number of consumables as per globally accepted infection control protocols. All consumables are transparently reflected in records and charged as per actuals," the spokesperson added.
Image: Shah Junaid/VCCircle
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