BBMP had recently launched a medical reimbursement scheme for its employees in association with 82 hospitals of the city. Hospitals had individually signed separate MoUs with the Palike.

Palike Commissioner Dr S Subramanya had derecognised Narayana Nethralaya, Rajajinagar 1st Block from the scheme citing that it had violated the MoU.

The commissioner, in his letter dated April 25, 2008 and addressed to all zonal heads, had informed the hospital’s derecognition from the scheme. The commissioner has also written to Karnataka Medical Council to look into the matter and take appropriate action against the hospital.

As per the MoU, hospitals should not charge the BBMP employees. Bills should be submitted directly to the BBMP. In addition, the hospital should also follow the price chart prescribed by the BBMP and the hospitals should not go for costlier procedures when time tested cheaper options are available.

Criticism

The commissioner, in his letter, also criticised the act of the hospital in strong words. The letter stated, “The hospital has violated the terms of agreement as per the MoU and has consistently been advising patients to undergo costlier procedures, when time tested cheaper options are available and are in use. The patients are being motivated to pay privately, which is not only unethical but is also an offence for soliciting business.”

Mr Subramanya said the scheme was launched with the intention of providing better health service for the employees. Every employee of the Palike from the administrator to pourakarmika can avail themselves of this benefit. As many as 18,000 employees and their dependents are eligible for the benefit.

Action

“The Palike derecognised the hospital as it had failed to adhere to the terms and conditions of the MoU. The Palike had planned the scheme in consultation with the Karnataka Medical Council. I have also written to the Karnataka Medical Council to take further action against the hospital for violating the MoU”, he said.

According to sources, the Palike became aware of the violation by the hospital after a pourakarmika informed the health department officials that he was charged Rs 3,000 privately, when he approached the hospital for treatment to his blindness.

He also informed the senior officers of the Palike that he was recommended costlier procedures. Based on his information and after verifying receipts the commissioner took the decision to derecognise the hospital.