GURUGRAM: A private hospital in DLF-3 area of Gurugram has been charged for alleged negligence and overcharging a patient infected with COVID-19.

The hospital has been accused of negligence in treating the patient, which led to mucormycosis (black fungus) infection. The hospital also purportedly overcharged the patient for oxygen and medicines.

Thirty one-year-old Gaurav Kumar was admitted to RBS Hospital in Nathupur on May 5 in COVID ICU (without ventilator). His family stated that the patient was not given adequate treatment and because of excessive administration of steroids, unhygienic oxygen equipment and negligence, he developed mucormycosis.

Amit Sahni, Kumar’s family’s counsel, said that the hospital charged Rs 6,000 per day for oxygen supply, which violates the government norms. Additionally, the hospital, along with its pharmacy, cheated the patients family and charged around Rs 85,000 for medicines.

The family also alleged that while Kumar was admitted on May 5, he was charged for medicines from May 4. A relative stated that it might be possible that the drugs mentioned in the bill might not have been given to Kumar, as he has not recovered from COVID till now.

On May 7, Kumar had a nosebleed and he was given some injections to control the bleeding. Later, he developed nasal blockage and had difficulty in breathing. A family member said that on complaining about the nasal blockage to the hospital staff and doctor, they ignored it and advised steam inhalation. The blockage worsened, but the doctors did not pay attention, said the relative, adding that they continued administering high doses of steroids.

Dissatisfied with the treatment on nasal blockage, the patient was shifted to Paras Hospital on May 10, where doctors said that he had developed mucormycosis in the nasal area. He underwent surgery for the same on May 13. He is still admitted in Paras Hospital and is undergoing treatment for mucormycosis and other related infections, reportedly caused during treatment at RBS Hospital. 

Kumar’s family complained to the police in July, but no FIR was registered. They approached the court then. On October 1, chief judicial magistrate ordered the police to register an FIR. A case was registered against RBS Hospital and others, under section 420 (cheating) and 338 (negligent act to endanger human life) of the IPC at DLF-2 police station on Sunday.

Source: ET Healthworld