A private hospital in Vijayapura allegedly refused to hand over the body of a COVID patient to the family for not clearing the bills on time.The victim, Rajesh Bhoviaged 45 years was a resident of Sankeshwar village near Hukkeri taluk of Belagavi. He was admitted at Koti Hospital, in Vijayapura after being tested positive on 9th September and he passed away on Tuesday night.

Dr Ayyangouda Biradar, administrator of Koti Hospital said that they did not demand the family to clear the bills to get his body, but told them to at least pay ambulance charges, according to the government guidelines. But then the relatives refused and manhandled hospital staff.

The hospital said that it had charged Rs 4.13 lakh for 16 days according to government tariff for private hospitals. The patient was undergoing treatment in ICU for 2 weeks. The family paid Rs 1.82 lakh and Rs 2.31 lakh was remaining. Rajesh’s brother Mahesh said that when they told the hospital to hand over the body, the doctors demanded for the payment of remaining dues. They sought for a week’s time, but they remained adamant. On Wednesday, the family protested in front of the hospital and then the body was handed over to the family.

Deputy Commissioner P Sunil Kumar said that he will issue a warning to all the private hospitals turned COVID Care Centres to avoid these situations. The family are going to file a complaint against the hospital. He said that he will investigate this case personally and if the doctors are found to be guilty then they will take strict action. Dr Biradar had filed a police complaint against the family members and had accused them of manhandling the hospital staff.

Source: The New Indian Express