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Those in legal battle with hospitals either give up or fight red-rapism | Lucknow News - Times of India

Source: , Posted On:   10 October 2021

Those in legal battle with hospitals either give up or fight red-rapism | Lucknow News - Times of India

 

Lucknow: Faridinagar resident Ila Singh has lost all hope of justice for her mother who died of Covid-19 in April this year. Ila had complained to the chief medical officer (CMO) and the district administration about medical negligence and overcharging by an Aliganj hospital. She was charged Rs 1.2 lakh for about 12 hours of hospital stay, following which Ila’s mother succumbed to the disease.
However, nothing came out of the whole process even after officials visited the hospital. Ila has stopped pursuing the case further due to red-tapism in the process. Hers is not the only case.
Even after five months of having a Covid complaints committee, no substantial action has been taken against erring private hospitals accused and found guilty of fleecing patients during the second Covid wave.
There are at least eight cases where hospitals have been found guilty and action is awaited. Against eight other hospitals, FIRs have been lodged. The license of only one erring hospital has been cancelled. Families like Ila’s either continue to wait or have given up after all.
“After my mother died because of the hospital’s negligence, I complained. An SDM visited the hospital but the facility boasted to me that no matter who visits, they will not provide us with any original document required for medical reimbursements,” said Ila.
“Only an incomplete duplicate bill was handed over. My brother has cerebral palsy and heightened anxiety. I have to manage work and home during which getting after these clerks and officials is not possible. I have given up,” she added.
According to officials, investigation has been completed in eight other cases but no action, such as cancellation of licence or hospital seized, taken.
“Most hospitals against which FIR was lodged for overcharging have moved court. Their licence will not be renewed at the CMO office,” informed CMO Dr Manoj Agarwal.
On the time taken, an official said, “The committee report is sent to the nodal officer in charge of the hospital for legal proceedings. Sometimes, it happens in a day or two. After seven days, a reminder is sent.”
In the case of Manoj Mishra, who lost his wife to Covid in May, the complainant sent letters not just to the chief development officer in charge of the Integrated Covid Command Centre but also to the CMO, chief minister and legislative assembly speaker. Despite this, Mishra is awaiting action.

 

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