Will act against hospitals refusing treatment under schemes, says minister

The government will crack down on private hospitals empanelled for various health insurance schemes, but which refuse to provide cashless treatment to patients, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ramesh Kumar said on Monday.

Replying to a question by Srinivas Mane (Cong) in the Legislative Council, Kumar said some private hospitals refused treatment to patients enrolled under state health scheme, by saying they had not received their dues from the government.

“We have provided reimbursement to the tune of Rs 640 crore to private hospitals. Dues amounting to Rs 40 crore are pending and we promised that they will reach them within a few days. Yet some hospitals sent patients back. We do not want the services of such hospitals,” Kumar said.

However, he did not any name any hospital. He said hospitals were openly fleecing patients by charging exorbitant rates for services. A hospital was charging Rs 13,800 per vial for an anti-cancer injection though its generic equivalent was available at Rs 280 in the market.

“Should the government be a helpless witness to such fleecing?” the minister asked.

Leader of the Opposition K S Eshwarappa said the government should avoid any confrontation with private hospitals as it could inconvenience patients. Kumar said he will deal with the hospitals on a case-by-case basis.
DH News Service