Pune: Manipal Hospital Holds Deceased's Body for 8+ Hours Over Bill, PMC Slaps Notice
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to Kharadi’s Manipal Hospitals, alleging that the hospital refused to hand over the body of a deceased person to the relatives because they could not pay the bill of Rs 1.75 lakh.
The hospital administration reportedly withheld the body for more than eight hours. The incident occurred on Tuesday.
Rambhau Jadhav (54), a farmer, was admitted to Manipal Hospitals on May 4 for angioplasty after having undergone angiography earlier. The hospital initially informed the patient that the cost of angioplasty would be around Rs 2.90 lakh, but angioplasty was not performed. Instead, a pacemaker was temporarily fitted. The patient passed away at 7:30 a.m. on May 6. The family requested the hospital to release the body at 9 a.m., but they were presented with a bill of Rs 3.30 lakh. The hospital offered a concession and asked for a payment of Rs 1.75 lakh. However, the hospital refused to release the body until the bill was paid. The family assured the administration that they would arrange the money and settle the payment within a few days. Despite this, the hospital insisted on receiving the dues before releasing the body for the final rites. The patient passed away at 10:07 a.m., but the body was handed over to the relatives only after 4 p.m., and only after a nominal amount was paid, an official said.
What does the notice say?
According to experts, no hospital has the right to withhold a body, which is why the PMC issued the notice. The notice was sent based on the provisions of the Maharashtra Nursing Homes Registration Act 1949 and Regulations (Amended) 2021. The civic body took Suo Motu cognizance of media reports regarding the incident.
The PMC notice reads, "Prima facie, this indicates a failure on your part to comply with rule 11 (L) of the Maharashtra government notification dated January 14, 2021. This is of serious nature and amounts to violation of the provisions under the Bombay Nursing Homes Registration Act 1949 and Maharashtra government notification dated January 14, 2021."
The civic body has asked Manipal Hospital to submit a factual report along with a written explanation from the concerned doctors within 24 hours of receiving the notice.
Hospital issues statement
The hospital administration issued a statement saying, "We have received a notice from the PMC requesting the factual report and written explanation regarding the death of patient Rambhau Jadhav. We are in the process of compiling the requested details and documents and will submit them within the requested timelines. At Manipal Hospitals, we express our deepest condolences to Mr. Rambhau Jadhav’s family during this incredibly difficult time and offer them our full support. We prioritize the dignity and rights of our patients and their families and remain dedicated to providing patient-centric care."
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