Hyderabad: Hospital told to pay doctor & wife 1.5L for fat Covid-19 bill

Jan 08,2024

Hyderabad: The district consumer forum has directed Prathima Hospitals to pay a compensation of 1.5 lakh to a doctor and his spouse for exceeding the government-prescribed amount in treating suspected Covid-19 pneumonia.

In two separate cases filed by G Mallaiah and his wife Sukanya, the district consumer disputes redressal commission – I, Hyderabad, ruled in favour of the couple, emphasising the hospital’s failure to adhere to the ceiling rate outlined in GO No 248.

Mallaiah, who developed symptoms while treating a Covid-19 patient, and his wife underwent RTPCR tests, which were negative. As a precautionary measure, they came to Hyderabad for consultation in Prathima Hospitals on June 29, 2020. Despite negative reports, the hospital admitted both of them and administered Covid treatment, contrary to government advisory on asymptomatic and mild cases not requiring hospitalisation. The hospital charged Mallaiah 5 lakh and Sukanya 2.7 lakh. 

The hospital justified its actions, citing a high Co-RAD score indicating typical viral pneumonia. However, the forum noted that the discharge summaries mentioned ‘suspected Covid pneumonia,’ deeming it an unfair trade practice, awarding the couple 1.5 lakh in compensation and an 30,000 for complaint costs.

Source: Healthworld