A hospital in Gujarat has been fined ₹45 lakhs for charging a patient for treatment despite having a Prime Minister Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) card under the central government's Ayushman scheme. Moreover, the hospital has been instructed to refund the ₹9 lakhs collected from the patient's family. They have been given seven days to comply. The case pertains to Sterling Hospital located in Gurukul, Ahmedabad. It is alleged that despite the patient having an active PMJAY card, the hospital charged ₹9 lakhs for the treatment. Further accusations include halting the treatment due to a delay in payment, which led to the patient's unfortunate demise. Following a complaint, the District Health Officer took action.
In fact, when Ranjana Nayak from Sola, Ahmedabad, suffered a heart attack and was taken for emergency treatment to Sterling Hospital, her treatment was not carried out under the scheme despite possessing an active PMJAY card. The hospital reportedly demanded cash for the treatment. Given the patient's critical condition, the hospital stated that either the cash should be deposited or the patient should be shifted elsewhere. The family, prioritizing the patient's health conditions, deposited the cash.
Patient's Death Due to Treatment Interruption
Jashwant Nayak, husband of the deceased patient Ranjana Nayak, shared with Aaj Tak, "My wife had a heart attack on September 23. Even though our PMJAY card was active, Sterling Hospital told us they couldn't provide treatment under emergency conditions. We were asked for money, which we paid. He alleges that after the treatment started, the hospital demanded money again. Delay in the payment led to the suspension of the treatment. Ultimately, on October 1, my wife passed away. The hospital forced us to pay ₹9 lakhs in cash for the treatment.
Hospital Found Guilty by Committee
The District Health Officer of Ahmedabad stated that the hospital unlawfully charged the family of a patient with an active PMJAY card ₹9 lakhs for reports, medication, and surgery. After discussions in the presence of the hospital's representative before the committee, the hospital was found guilty. The hospital clearly did not comply with the PMJAY guidelines. As a result, the deceased patient's family has been instructed to refund the ₹9 lakhs and as penalty, pay ₹45 lakhs to the government. Seven days have been given for compliance. Meanwhile, Sterling Hospital has maintained silence over the entire incident.
